The Bartlett Pan-African Indigenist Collective
Our Stories, told together. A student led space dedicated to uplifting the voices, knowledge and cultural legacies of people of African heritage and respective indigenous communities.
A student-led collective promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and justice
The Bartlett Pan-African Indigenist collective is a student led space dedicated to uplifting the voices, knowledge and cultural legacies of people of African heritage and respective indigenous communities. We work together with the wider EDI team to promote epistemic equity and justice.
Who we are
The Pan-African Indigenist Collective is a student led initiative created by Galila Khougali. The collective is run by a team of African students and Alumni from The Bartlett who are dedicated to uplifting the voices, knowledge and cultural legacies of people of African heritage and their respective indigenous communities.
We recognize that indigenism within the African context is more than an identity; it is a movement towards cultural preservation and belonging. We acknowledge that African indigeneity is not homogenous. Our communities are diverse in language, traditions, governance structures and spiritual practices, reflecting the vastness of Africa’s landscapes, histories, and struggles. There is no single “indigenous African” experience: our pluriversity is our strength. The Pan-African indigenist Collective exists not to flatten these distinctions but to embrace and honour the unique histories and perspectives of each indigenous African community.
Members of the collective can support and find support amongst students and faculty, discuss research, attend “Know How” events and build community. Through informal gatherings, mentorship programs and peer support networks, we cultivate an environment where students can feel seen, heard and empowered. We encourage students to engage in research that amplifies Indigenous African perspectives, using a range of methodologies that centre oral histories, lived experiences and community-based knowledge production.
What we do
The collective serves as a supportive space for students of African heritage to connect, share experiences and find mentorship. Reimagining possible futures, pedagogy and research is central to our approach. Supported by the Bartlett Faculty Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, we create a space for students of African heritage to engage in critical dialogue, research and collaborative learning. Through storytelling, scholarship and knowledge exchange, we empower one another and explore the richness of African indigenous traditions. By integrating creative and scholarly practices, we work towards restoring narratives that have been silenced or misrepresented. Our work advances decolonial efforts in higher education by creating inclusive spaces and promoting diverse knowledge systems.
Join us
The future grows from the stories we tell today. The Pan-African Indigenist Collective is a space for students of African heritage to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue. To become part of the Pan-African Indigenist Collective, simply join our dedicated MS Teams channel.
Special thanks
The Pan-African Indigenist Collective would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of Galila Khougali and Fui Amevor, with support from The Bartlett Faculty Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team of Sara Shafiei and Sarah Rolph. We are especially grateful for their unwavering commitment, leadership, and insights in fostering a community that values decolonial thought, mentorship, and the celebration of African Indigenist thought.
Useful resources
A collection of key resources supporting equity, transformative research, and wellbeing. These include networks, research centres, and guides for ethical collaboration, mental health, and active allyship.
Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations
A framework advocating for ethical, equitable, and decolonial research partnerships in Africa, centring fairness, reciprocity, and local agency in academic collaborations.
A guide outlining five practical steps to intervene safely in discriminatory or harmful situations, encouraging individuals to challenge injustice and create safer, more inclusive spaces.
The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN) – A UK-based network offering mental health support, training, and resources for Black, African, Asian, and other racialized communities, with a focus on culturally competent therapy.
A critical media platform challenging stereotypes about Africa and the Global South, offering analysis on politics, history, culture, and representation beyond mainstream narratives.
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing
UCL’s dedicated service for student mental health, disability support, financial wellbeing, and crisis assistance, promoting an inclusive and supportive university environment.