Last week I shared new insights from the follow-up lecture to 2019’s Fahs lecture. This year’s Fahs lecture, entitled “Reflecting Critically on Teachings About Indigenous People,” was presented by Dr. Jean Medoza and Dr. Natalie Martinez. It focused primarily on how the stories we tell shape our narrative as individuals and as a country. Stories are essential to our learning and who is represented in those stories matters if we are to move closer to a world with peace, justice and liberty for all. 

The presenters were both involved in the creation of the youth version of An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States and the curriculum guide for that book. Some of what I share may be things you already know, but I hope you will find a nugget of new information in the sharing.

Here is some of what they shared:

• Regarding language:
  • Indian and American Indian are from legal terminology used in the racialization of Indians across the Americas
  • Native American is a government-applied term used to ethnically identify indigenous people of the United States and our Southern neighbors (used when Indian became a perjorative)
  • Indigenous is a broader term which denotes nation status and inherent rights of land and resources of first peoples
  • Native is used by many to self-identify as the people were here long before the continent of the Americas existed.

• The use of land acknowledgements pushes back on stories that have erased Native peoples, but genuine acknowledgement includes a commitment to work on social political issues that marginalize and oppress Natives. Too often these acknowledgements have become superficial.

• Regarding the use of story:
  • For every story we tell,the land must be the foundation. Current history teaches us to buy into Manifest Destiny, the Doctrine of Discovery and erases indigenous people who have been on the lands we now call the Americas for thousands of years
  • We need to tell authentic and affirming stories from Native writers. Stories that mirror the lived experience of sovereignty, resisting imperialism, current existence, and that Native families are valued and loved

• Cautions on stories:
  • Work to dismantle false narratives or partial narratives
  • Some of those books you loved as a child or love to tell your children are problematic. Don’t be afraid to find new, truer stories to tell
  • Be cautious with “old Native American tales.” Many traditional stories — also known as legends, creation stories, trickster tales, and (erroneously) “myths” — were collected/appropriated by non-Native researchers, then changed to suit a dominant culture audience.

• How do we combat historicalization?
  • Accurate textbooks, representation
  • Supplementary materials that particularly acknowledge recent history when it is missing from educational materials
  • Critical reading of mass media looking for the following: misrepresentation, appropriation, sexulaization, romanticization, erasure or limiting scope

• How does choosing the stories we tell impact democracy? If we vote our conscience, where did our consciousness of that conscience come from?
  • We need to be informed to vote our conscience. (See what stories we are telling above)
  • Normalize questions about who is represented and seen in politics
  • Consider your own contribution to disrupting or upholding the status quo 

Looking for books for children and youth?

https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/p/best-books.html

Some of the presenters’ favorites by Native authors:

Nibi is Water by Sunshine Tenasco (board book for toddlers)
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
The Water Walker by Joanne Robertson (NF)
Young Water Protectors by Jason Eaglespeaker, Kelly Tudor, Aslan Tudor (photo essay)
Standing Strong by Gary Robinson
Our History is the Future by Nick Estes (Adults)
And of course An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (both adult and youth versions)

Looking for more resources or for advice on how to dig into this subject? I have a long list from the presenters that I am happy to share with you. Send me a note!

*See* you on Sunday!

Carrie