Category Archives: authenticity

Sundance

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

When I walk into my office I smell sage. It smells like home. My cousin gave me a sage garland to place in the house, a memory of my time at the Sundance. I take the garland into my office … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, framing, Lakota, Native Science, Osage | Tagged , | 3 Comments

On the Rez

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

John Artichoker opens the door, welcoming us to Rapid City. The flights from Portland were uneventful, and my daughter Wee-Hey and I are excited to spend time with our Lakota relatives, travel to the Pine Ridge reservation, and witness Sundance. … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, Indian, Lakota, Osage | 1 Comment

Can You Prove You’re Indian?

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

>My editors want me to add a chapter to my book on the topic of American Indian identity. Identity holds loads of currency. Seems folks find identity resonant. But imagine writing a chapter on, say African American identity, or how … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, human origin, Indian, science, science communication | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

What do Folks Think about Indian Issues?

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We wanted to know how people feel about Indian issues in the Pacific Northwest and recently discovered that opinions are mixed. In fact, opinions are pretty lumpy. Take, for example, the issue of sea lions at the Columbia River.

Posted in authenticity, journalism, Native Science, salmon, science, writing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

My Mother’s Bike

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

Portland is a bicyclist’s town. Take my daughter, Wee-hey. She bikes to work with the countless denizens who choose this method of transport. Wee-hey pedals my mother’s ancient bike from Sears.

Posted in authenticity, writing | 1 Comment

Naming as Power

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Auntie told me a story while I was in Oklahoma. The Osage gather each June for the dances in the Grayhorse, Hominy and Pawhuska districts. My aunt and her daughter open their homes to relatives and friends, serving a bounty … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, Osage, writing | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Indian Authenticity

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

The timing was perfect. I finished presenting a paper at an academic conference in Phoenix on authenticity, specifically the media portrayal of the ancient skeleton Kennewick man. And then authenticity hit the fan. I was surrounded by stories of Indian … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, Geronimo, Indian, journalism | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Writing: It’s Never Done

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

The smartest thing I ever did was hire an editor to help me with my book. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I write and rewrite and then write again. It used to drive my editor crazy at the newspaper. … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, writing | 3 Comments

Exterminating Indian Identity

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Soon I will be bound for Phoenix to present a paper on American Indian identity and authenticity: a topic of keen interest. Critics often complain about Indian stereotypes, ranging from the issues surrounding sports mascots to non-Indians playing Native roles … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, cinema, ethics, film, human origin, Kennewick Man, Native Science, repatriation, science, writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Indian Mascots on the Agenda

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Oregon media are twitterpatted over the school mascot issue. Really? Too much hand-wringing, too late. Naming school sports teams Redskins, Indians, Braves and Chiefs has long been on the radar of American Indian activists: hardly a new issue. But in … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, framing, Indian, journalism | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments