Author Archives: Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

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About Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Professor and researcher who studies science communication, particularly issues that impact American Indians. Dr. Coleman is an enrolled citizen of the Osage Nation.

November Welcomes Native American Heritage Month

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

But Can We Really Celebrate? Native American Heritage Month has been officially celebrated—at least as an idea–for nearly 30 years. The first official announcement occurred when President George Herbert Walker Bush declared November as National Native American Heritage Month in … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative facts, american, american indian, bears ears, Native American Heritage Month, nativescience | 2 Comments

Halloween and Native American Costumes

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

American Indians are a diverse and heterogeneous lot. But one thing many of us agree about is our traditional regalia. Native regalia aren’t costumes. Every year as Halloween approaches, I remind folks that wearing war-paint and chicken feathers is insensitive. … Continue reading →

Posted in nativescience | 2 Comments

Just another day in Portlandia

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

On a recent bike ride to the university, one of my commuter streets was blocked to traffic. Cyclists were steered to the sidewalk while a road crew–looking like worker-bees in their yellow, orange and black vests–loped alongside trucks and trailers. … Continue reading →

Posted in biking, nativescience, Portland | Leave a comment

When One is Enough

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

  The Story of the Lone Fig Our potted fig tree—the third since moving to a new house—is an adolescent Lattrula fig (Ficus carica). All summer we watered the fig, and I cooed at its growing leaves, which became the … Continue reading →

Posted in allmyrelations, garden fever, gardening, nativescience | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Coyote Strikes

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

  Chipping Away at Traditions we once Trusted October is the season for Native American storytelling in Portland, where you are guaranteed to hear a tale about the trickster, Coyote. Each story has a lesson or a moral, and in … Continue reading →

Posted in fake, nativescience, news bias | 2 Comments

The struggle against the system

Posted on September 24, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Why I’m sick to my stomach Don’t you want to rail against the system sometimes? A headline describes the feeling as “sick to my stomach.” Problem is, the system is a web of sticky loops and traps. Good luck changing … Continue reading →

Posted in kavanaugh, metoo, nativescience, Supreme Court | Leave a comment

Bruised but not beaten  

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Truth is, I’m pretty active and coordinated (you may not believe this, after reading my blog). My honey and I bicycle and walk, lift weights and stretch. But we get skinned knees, loosened toenails and muscle aches. My question: are … Continue reading →

Posted in nativescience | Leave a comment

Little Theories

Posted on September 13, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

 Identity Politics If I could write a book on any topic I’d explore the ways that we invent our own realities. I will call the book, “Little Theories.” The reason?  When I look at headlines, talk to friends, or just … Continue reading →

Posted in american, authenticity, Buddhist, framing, Fukuyama, Identity, nativescience | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Media Literacy in London: A round of thanks

Posted on August 24, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

via Media Literacy in London: A round of thanks

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Is it Still Privilege if You Earn it?

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

  Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack  I hear about privilege—particularly white privilege—but I confess: I don’t really know what people mean by privilege (spelled priviledge in Britain). When I was a teenager my mum was strict, and we “lost our privileges” … Continue reading →

Posted in nativescience, white privilege | Leave a comment