Category Archives: Native Science

How Do Historians Do It?

I don’t know how historians do it: how do they cleave fiction from fact? As I dig through the stories of Francis Parkman’s French scout, the fierce Oglala chief Bull Bear and the Lesserts, Revards and Herridges of Osage tales, … Continue reading

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Osage and Oglala Forebears

My guide in St. Louis was Mary (Mimi) Stiritz, a generous soul who took time to tell me what she had learned about my family in her historical searches. Mimi introduced me to the Chatillon-DeMenil mansion’s staff and board members … Continue reading

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Summer Bugs

I love spiders. When I find one in the house I gently escort her outside. Spiders are the symbol of the Osage people, and rightly so. They carry their homes with them, on their backs, ready for the next adventure. … Continue reading

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Intuition

From a scientific view, intuition can be a curse.

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Dead Critters

A mole took up residence in my basement. A dead mole. Or mouse. A dark gray and blue furriness that looks like my dog’s toy is curled up on the concrete near the washing machine and dryer.

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Table of Contents

I am grateful to be part of a cohort of academics who have been pulled together to write a new 2-volume book on American Indians and Popular Culture for a textbook that will be published this year. Yesterday the editor … Continue reading

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Why Study Media?

A colleague made an off-handed comment that studying news media framing lacks value. But I argue that, particularly when it comes to science and Indians, news reports can be illuminating. In both cases, most Americans glean information about science and … Continue reading

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When Science Confirms What We Already Know

One of my favorite moments at the salmon conference I attended this week came when Yakama tribal elder Tony Washines greeted a crowd of policy-makers, scientists and attentive listeners. He smiled and said, “Good morning my relatives. Good morning my … Continue reading

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Salmon Bake Controversy

Each May the Native students at our university host a salmon bake, inviting the campus community to an outdoor feast in celebration of the return of the salmon. The event is intended to embrace the community: to build bridges rather … Continue reading

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Like Kernels of Corn

If you google Native Science chances are you will land on the name Gregory Cajete, one of the foremost scholars who teaches and writes about indigenous ways-of-knowing. Cajete talked to an audience at our university this week and illuminated how … Continue reading

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