Category Archives: Native Science

Spirits in the Cave

I dragged my pal Bob to a packed theatre to see the new documentary about caves in France that reveal stories of ancestors from 32,000 years ago. Werner Herzog’s new film, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, explores the pristine Chauvet Cave, … Continue reading

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Explaining Native Science

Spending stolen moments writing a research grant in Native Science is a little crazy-making. The grant is aimed at folks sequestered in the humanities. Problem is, I’m a social scientist.

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One Story at a Time

NMAI article winter 2010_11 Coleman Herman I advise my students when they are presenting their research to tell a story. In our inner-most hearts, what we crave is hearing a good tale. It’s not about discovery or novelty: it’s your … Continue reading

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Death by Duck

Spring is the time of year when students go a little crazy: they are trying to finish their studies, earn good grades and complete their major projects. This time of year I get emails from students who’ve been silent for … Continue reading

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Long Life, Short Life

When I heard about Americans buying fistfuls of iodine tablets to stave of the effects of radiation poisoning I wondered: are these the same folks who refuse to immunize their children against childhood diseases?

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Authenticity and Hollywood

The Oscars generated feelings of authenticity for me, although, to be truthful, I am often consumed with issues of authenticity.

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What Hat Would You Be?

If you were a hat, what hat would you be?

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Perspective

Writing to agencies to beg for grant money means putting myself under scrutiny. You keep telling yourself, it’s not about you: it’s about the work. But when I’m occupied with issues that impact Indians, then it is personal.

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Indian as Suitcase

As I was preparing for this week’s campus-wide lecture, I realized the histories and narratives of Indians in North America are like the content s of a suitcase.

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Skulls and Baseballs

I started thinking about bones when grad student Erin Dysart Hanes and I began following the news coverage of Kennewick Man.

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