FIWNA Hosts 4th Virtual Interaction on Nhang-khor: Customary Self-Governance Systems of the Tamang Nation

The Federation of Indigenous Women of Nepal in America successfully held its fourth virtual session examining the historical governance structures of the Tamang Nation. The event explored indigenous self-governance systems that were disrupted following the establishment of the Gorkha regime.

Speaker

RK Tamang – Indigenous academic activist.

Topics Covered

• Historical governance systems of Tamang Nation (historically called Tamsaling)
• Three-part governance structure: legislative, judicial, and executive branches
• Impact of derogatory terminology used to undermine indigenous identity
• Challenges facing contemporary indigenous governance systems
• External ideological pressures including Brahmanism and communism

A core principle referenced during the session: "Break heads but don't break stomachs" — highlighting justice implementation without removing basic survival resources.

Note: Tamang Nation is one of Nepal's five largest ethnic groups.

Audience: Students, researchers, journalists, and advocacy professionals.