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.

Science or Religion?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My talk this past weekend at Lincoln City gave me a chance to put my promise into action: Encourage folks to view events through a Native American lens. As part of Native American Heritage Month I was asked to talk … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, human origin, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, NAGPRA, Native Science, news bias, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

When Seeing Squaw Means Seeing Red

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We take for granted American Indian sensibilities at Thanksgiving and Columbus Day. But November—Native American Heritage Month—ushers in the invitation to see more than just these two events through Indian eyes. Try it. When you listen to the news today … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, Indian, Native Science, news bias | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

In Sandy’s Wake the Best Survives

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I promised myself that during Native American Heritage Month I would attend to life through a native lens. And write about it every day. During the election blitz, my head got filled with visions of projects created under the Roosevelt … Continue reading →

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Sequester the Evidence

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

No photographs or images of my ancestor Bear Robe have emerged from the Oglala, Osage or French sides of my family. With one exception. A rolled-up canvas, tucked in the rafters of the family home in St. Louis, was discovered … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, Francis Parkman, Henri Chatillion, Lakota, Native Science, Osage | Tagged | Leave a comment

Our Ancestors’ Tales: Rude and Fierce

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

For the month of November I’m writing a blog a day in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. So, in keeping with the sense of heritage, I’m sharing stories about my ancestors, including Henri Chatillon, who served as Francis Parkman’s … Continue reading →

Posted in ethics, Henri Chatillion, Indian, Lakota, science | Tagged , | 1 Comment

When Indians are Forgotten

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Folk singer Woody Guthrie’s memory is being honored in 2012, marking his 100th birthday. Guthrie has a Northwest connection. In 1941 the balladeer drove his Pontiac from New York to Oregon so he could write songs of praise for the … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, Indian, journalism, Native Science, salmon, science, science communication, social media | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Telling the Story Indian Style

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Last week I heard Indian storytellers unfurl their tales when the Northwest Indian Storytellers Association gathered in Portland. I was enlightened and humbled to listen to Native storytellers weave their magic. We heard tales of coyote and raven, Lakota and … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, censorship, ethics, journalism, Lakota, Native Science, Osage, salmon, science, science communication | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

When Buildings are Alive

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When Eirik Thorsgard talked about sacred sites to a college audience this week, he asks how we define sacred. Is sacredness different for Indians? Catholics? Jews? Thorsgard, who works as the historic preservation officer for Confederated Tribes of the Grand … Continue reading →

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Indian Giver?

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Imagine returning Mount Hood—the majestic landmark volcano in Oregon—back to local tribes as a marker of good faith and in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. Sound crazy? The suggestion isn’t all that bizarre according to Eirik Thorsgard, who spoke … Continue reading →

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Bizarre Month

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

A bizarre intersection occurs when October 31 greets November 1. We leap from All Hallows Eve to Native American Heritage Month just by turning a page on the calendar. Halloween agitates some of my American Indian brethren. Native regalia aren’t … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, film, framing, human origin, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, Native Science, repatriation, writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment