“Decolonizing Economics 2024: Earth Day to May Day” is an annual summit that bridges the celebratory moments of Earth Day and International Workers’ Day with a serious examination of our economic systems through the lens of decolonization. This initiative, launched by the Post-Capitalism Conference and co-sponsored by a growing number of organizations including Wiyot Tribe’s Dishgamu Community Land Trust, Free Speech TV, Cooperation Jackson, New Economy Coalition, US Solidarity Economy Network, Local Futures, Laura Flanders & Friends, Shareable and many others, aims to dismantle the colonial frameworks that have long influenced economic practices and to propose actionable, community-focused solutions.
A Global Classroom for a New Vision for Economic Systems
The online portion of the summit starts next week running from Wednesday, May 1st to Friday, May 3rd, and has been designed to reach a global audience (there were already in-person events in Northern, California last week). Participants will dive into sessions on critical issues such as land reclamation, food sovereignty, and democratizing the economy—all through a decolonial lens.
“Decolonizing Economics 2024” is not just a conference – it’s a collective reimagining of economic systems. It aims to create a virtual classroom where activists, academics, and community members worldwide can share knowledge and strategies. The summit’s focus on Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and community empowerment ensures a rich, diverse dialogue essential for true systemic change.
Sessions will include Making Land Back Real, Food Sovereignty, People’s Network for Land & Liberation, Democratizing the Economy, Decolonizing the Law, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Solidarity Economy 101, and more.
Speakers and Workshops at Decolonizing Economics 2024
The summit boasts a diverse lineup of speakers and workshop leaders, each bringing a unique perspective on how to dismantle oppressive economic structures and build in their place systems that are inclusive and equitable.
Day 1: May 1, 2024
Day 1 of the Summit will begin with an opening session featuring insights from Marnie Atkins, David Cobb, Tony Silvaggio, and members of the Native Roots Network, setting the stage for critical discussions. This will be followed by a framing panel moderated by Native Roots Network, which will delve into what decolonization genuinely entails within the context of modern economics, seeking to clarify and unify the various interpretations of the term.
Emily Kawano’s presentation on “Solidarity Economy 101” will introduce participants to alternative economic structures that prioritize community and sustainability.
Lauren Regan from the Civil Liberties Defense Center will further engage the audience on protecting activists legally while challenging systemic injustices.
The day will conclude with a session on “Decolonizing Finance,” where speakers David Cobb, Ruben Hernandez, Elizabeth Garlow, and Steph McHenry will present innovative financial models that could replace exploitative systems with equitable, community-focused alternatives.
Day 2: May 2, 2024
Day 2 of the Summit will commence with a panel on “Democratizing the Economy,” where Neil McInroy, Trinity Tran, and Lydia Lopez, under the moderation of Emily Kawano, will explore ways to restructure economic systems to empower local communities and redistribute power equitably.
The “People’s Network for Land & Liberation” session will feature Kali Akuno, Edget Betru, Blair Evans, and Michelle Eddleman McCormick, who will discuss grassroots efforts to reclaim and steward land based on principles of justice and liberation.
In the “Decolonizing Restoration & TEK/Traditional Ecological Knowledge” panel, experts like Ali Meders-Knight, Mel Figueroa, and Phil Albers will share insights on integrating Indigenous knowledge with contemporary ecological practices to heal and sustain natural environments.
The media’s pivotal role in supporting decolonization efforts will be discussed by Joseph Orozco, Levi Rickert, Laura Flanders, Mark Winston Griffith, and Shareable’s Tom Llewellyn, highlighting how storytelling and journalism can shift narratives and support systemic change.
The day will wrap up with a unique perspective on the environmental movement, where Erica Panther, Mireille Bejjani, CJ Garcia-Linz, Rae Lee, and Danny Noonan will liken unions to mycelial networks, essential for nurturing interconnected, supportive communities in environmental advocacy.
Day 3: May 3, 2024
The third and final day of the summit will encapsulate the essence of transformative action through various lenses, from arts to law and food sovereignty.
The “Art and Activism” session, featuring Michelle Hernandez, Sakura Saunders, Christine O’Moore, Kwame Braxon, and Dana Lyons, will celebrate the confluence of creative expression and social justice, demonstrating how art can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering community solidarity.
The “Decolonization and the Law” panel with Lauren Van Schiflegarde, Anthony Cook, Mele Moniz, and Mohit Mookim will delve into the legal frameworks that need reshaping to support decolonial practices and uphold Indigenous rights.
A significant discussion led by David Cobb and Michele Vassel on “Making Land Back Real” will offer practical steps towards land restitution and management that honors traditional stewardship.
In the “Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty & Food Justice Projects” segment, speakers Karley Rojas, Julia Dunn, Chelsea Ríos Gómez, and Delaney Schroeder-Echavarria will highlight innovative community-driven projects that aim to achieve food independence and justice, linking them to broader decolonization goals.
The summit will conclude with “What Is To Be Done?” where Nick Cortez, Kali Akuno, Mary Hooks, and Joe Guinan will critically assess the progress made and outline future actions required to build sustainable, equitable economies.
Join the Movement
Miki’ala Catalfano, co-founder of the Native Roots Network and a keynote speaker at the summit, emphasizes the active nature of decolonization: “Decolonizing is an active verb, and we invite others to tune in and be part of the collective act of deconstructing the harmful logic and structures that fuel and maintain colonizing systems and configurations, and in their place implement ways that value life and abundance for our planet’s biosystems and our future.”
Registration for the summit is now open, and organizers are calling on all who are interested in building a more equitable and sustainable future to participate. This event is a crucial opportunity for learning, sharing, and action—a chance to be part of a global community committed to reshaping the world’s economic systems in ways that heal both the land and its people.
A donation of $25 is being asked to participate, but no one is being turned away for a lack of funds.
For those ready to step into a role of change-making and join a global conversation on economic justice, visit the Decolonizing Economics Summit to register. This summit promises to be more than just a series of talks; it is a call to action for everyone who believes in a more just, sustainable, and decolonized future.
Additional Stories/Resources Related to Decolonizing Economics 2024:
- The Response Podcast: ‘Land Back’ with David Cobb
- How to give the land back
- Legal Tools for Land Return
- When decolonization meets post-capitalism: the third annual post-capitalism conference
Note: Shareable is a co-sponsor of the Decolonizing Economics 2024 Summit
