Category Archives: writing

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 →

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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

John Sayles Sighting

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

My trip to New York included a John Sayles sighting. And it’s not the first one. Sayles, who is among cinema’s most thoughtful filmmakers, came to Portland last year to talk about his book, A Moment in the Sun, set … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, cinema, journalism, writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

New York City

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Made my first trip to New York City last weekend. How is it possible for someone with Ithaca bragging rights to avoid the Big City? My only excuse is that I was focused on academics and the kids were little … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, writing | Tagged | 1 Comment

Porn and the Eye of the Beholder

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

An information campaign raised public ire when it produced a billboard that shocked some viewers. The poster shows a woman without clothing, her breasts (all four) hooked to a pump. She’s on her hands and knees, reflecting the imagery of … Continue reading →

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The Sofa Drove Home

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

How do we explain the inexplicable? Sometimes my honey and I think the same thoughts. It’s not creepy: in fact, it’s reassuring to share something substantive that dips below the surface. My Apache pal says there are no coincidences.

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How do Indians Reclaim Science?

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

A handful of scholars—many of them American Indians—have been writing about science from an indigenous perspective, offering ammunition to counter the charge that Indians are anti-science. It comes as no surprise that some American Indians distrust approaches endorsed by science. … Continue reading →

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