Category Archives: Native Science

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 →

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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

Break the Rules

Posted on October 16, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Students and scientists gathered in Seattle last week to talk about how to succeed in their careers—not only as scientists—but as American Indians and Hispanic individuals. So I was honored to speak about science communication that impacts Indian tribes and … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, framing, Native Science, science, science communication, social media, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Use Columbus Day to Confront Stereotypes

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Monday ushers in Columbus Day, an event that irritates indigenous folks in North America. Particularly vexing is the well-worn trope that Columbus “discovered” the continent. Christopher Columbus offers a convenient target for our wrath but I can think of many … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, ethics, Indian, Native Science, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , | 55 Comments

When Indians are invisible in science

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

When are American Indians invisible? As a critic of mass media and Indian representations, I am mindful of the gross caricatures that persist. Pocahontas. Chief Wahoo. The Land O’Lakes butter maiden. These are memorable images of Indians.

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Science, TV and Authenticity

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

This past week scholars gathered in Chicago to share their research and insights into mass communication. I walk along a thin line between science and culture, hanging with folks who study science in one corner of the universe, and spending … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, human origin, Native Science, science, science communication | Tagged | 1 Comment