Category Archives: journalism

Christmas Mouse

On the Rue Cler, near our hotel by Napoleon’s tomb, we had supper at a brasserie: soup, salad, a cheese plate and wine. The waitress left us to our conversation, and we had the table all night. No one rushes … Continue reading

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Grasping the Exotic

A friend once accused academics like me, who, aloft from our ivory towers, offer up criticism without solving problems. Point taken. Vocabulary used in academic writing is annoying, a nod to a coterie of snobs speaking a private language. Readings … Continue reading

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Fake Indians in France

We spent the weekend curled up by the fire, sipping coffee and searching for French hotels and phrase-books in preparation for our trip to Paris. When my honey reaches for a cup or the soap, he asks me to translate … Continue reading

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Onward

Although today marks the end of American Indian Heritage Month there’s no end to the issues confronting indigenous peoples and I will continue to share my thoughts about topics—some critical, some lighthearted—from an Indian lens. My argument during American Indian … Continue reading

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What Native Cause Will You Support?

My mailbox is stuffed with fliers from L.L. Bean and Lands End along with a bundle of requests from indigenous charities: American Indian College Fund, American Indian Youth Running Strong and St. Joseph’s Indian School. This year I’m supporting nationally … Continue reading

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Neuroscience: Le Mot du Jour

David Eagleman’s talk last evening engendered many comments around the supper table about neuroscience. Like soup du jour, neuroscience is le mot du jour (the word of the day). Neuroscience clings to the headlines like a bear to honey.

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A News Spin on Native American Heritage

When I met Ira Glass in Portland this fall, he admitted he got his stories from the headlines. Glass said he pores over the New York Times—and other publications—in search of narratives. What makes This American Life different is that … Continue reading

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Transforming Authenticity

What is authenticity? One of my Osage relatives said that when he was being instructed in dance he asked his elder over and over again if he was doing it correctly. “Is this right?” Finally the elder looked my relative … Continue reading

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Pie for Breakfast

When we were little my sisters and I hid under the Thanksgiving table, snatching my parents’ versions of hors d’oeuvres—canned olives, sweet pickles and stuffed celery—when we thought no one was looking. Viewed through a Native lens, we must have … Continue reading

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Science or Religion?

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

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