Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.

Wilma Mankiller A former leader of Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation and a recent Montgomery fellow at Dartmouth College, she’ll speak on Native American autonomy in the face of ongoing social and economic woes. Tacoma Community College (Opgaard Student Center), 6501 S. 19th St., Tacoma, 253-566-5118. Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Feliks Banel The Museum of History and Industry’s deputy director discusses the importance of radio during World War II. 2700 24th Ave. E., 206-324-1126. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Vincent Gallucci The marine scientist separates fact from popular fiction in a shark talk sponsored by the University of Washington Alumni Association. UW Kane Hall (Room 110), 206-543-0540. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Jeff June In an event sponsored by People for Puget Sound, the local scientist explains current efforts to remove abandoned fishing gear from the Sound. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-382-7007. $10 ($8 advance). 7-9 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Nadim Matta An economic consultant to developing nations, he examines America’s role in fighting global poverty in a talk sponsored by World Affairs Council. El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave. S., 206-329-9442. $15 ($10 WAC members and students). 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Ayed Morrar and Jonathan Pollak In a forum setting, the Palestinian and Israeli peace activists (respectively) discuss potential strategies for peace in the Middle East. UW Gowen Hall (Room 301), 206-285-2154. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3.

Luncheon Forum Dr. Paul Ramsey, dean of the University of Washington School of Medicine, joins other local experts to talk about new findings in medical research, including such areas as avian flu, obesity, and AIDS. Sponsored by CityClub. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-682-7395. $40 ($30 CityClub members). Noon-1:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 4.

Community Forum The effects of NAFTA and the issue of immigrant rights in the U.S. are the topics of this discussion sponsored by the Community Alliance for Global Justice. Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave. E., 206-405-4600. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., Nov. 5.

Northwest Socialist Conference Political authors Sharon Smith and Dave Zirin and anti–death penalty advocate Shujaa Graham highlight this confab at Seattle Central Community College. 1701 Broadway Ave., 206-325-6500. $10 ($6 daytime or evening). Workshops: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Rally: 7-9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 5.

Dungeons & Dragons Game Day A massive cult hit since its 1974 inception, D&D is still produced locally (in Renton) by Wizards of the Coast. This annual event, which includes slide shows, exhibits, and plenty of gaming, drew 25,000 players last year. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., www.wizards.com. Free. Noon-9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 5.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament A word of caution: Do not, under any circumstances, follow up rock with scissors. They always see that one coming.Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave. N.E., 206-684-7534. $5 ($3 advance). 1-4 p.m. Sat., Nov. 5.

Hmong New Year The Northwest has had a sizable Hmong population for decades; here’s your chance to learn about the Southeast Asian culture’s language, embroidery, and music. Seattle Center (Center House), 207-684-7200. Free. Festival: noon-6 p.m. Performances: 7-11 p.m. Sat., Nov. 5.

Bruce Babbitt The former secretary of the Interior takes on the growing tension between developers and preservationists in his new book, Cities in the Wilderness: A New Vision of Land Use in America. UW Gates Law School (Room 133), 206-634-3400. Free. 2 p.m. Mon., Nov. 7.

Pasuk Phongpaichit An economics prof at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University, she’ll examine Enron-style corporate crime in the context of global capitalism. Sponsored by World Affairs Council. UW Kane Hall (Room 210), 206-543-2100. Free. 6:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 8.

Ward Churchill The Native American activist and University of Colorado professor talks about his latest book, On the Justice of Roosting Chickens, about the trespasses and misdeeds of U.S. foreign policy. Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-546-4101. $12 ($10 seniors, $6 SCC students). 7:30 p.m. Tues., Nov. 8.

Greg Critser The author of Generation Rx will discuss American drug culture, including our growing sense of entitlement to pharmaceuticals, as part of Town Hall’s Center for Civic Life series. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 9.

Phil Hoose and Gene Sparling Author Hoose (The Race to Save the Lord God Bird) and birder Sparling tell the amazing story of the ivory-billed woodpecker, a species long considered extinct until Sparling rediscovered it in Arkansas roughly two years ago. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-343-4345. $10. 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 9.