Tag Archives: Indigenous Science

Telling the Story Indian Style

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

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

Posted in authenticity, Lakota, Native Science, Osage, science, science communication | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Indian Giver?

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

Posted in authenticity, human origin, Indian, journalism, Native Science, science | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Break the Rules

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

Science of Lies

There are lies others tell us and there are lies we tell ourselves. What is the science of lies? Recently journalists have invoked neuroscience to explain everything from women’s orgasms to the Republican brain. An article I read this week … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, censorship, ethics, framing, health, journalism, news bias, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

When Indians are invisible in science

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.

Posted in authenticity, Indian, Native Science, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rez Life: What standards do we use?

My colleague John Sanchez (Apache) has studied the ABC TV documentary that aired in October called Children of the Plains, which focused on life at Pine Ridge. Sanchez reported his findings this past week in Chicago at the annual conference … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, framing, Lakota | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

How the Press Covered the Sea Lion Controversy in Indian Country

Next week we present results of our study at a national conference in Chicago, sharing details of how the press covered the salmon and sea lion conflict at the Columbia River. Local Indians have a great stake in the salmon … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, framing, Native Science, salmon, science, science communication, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Salmon and Sea Lions Face Off

Native Americans are keenly interested in science. Just ask an Indian fisherman. Here in the Pacific Northwest, tribal fishermen have been embroiled in a controversy over salmon. The most recent tempest has pitted salmon against encroaching sea lions, who feast … Continue reading

Posted in framing, health, Native Science, risk, salmon, science, science communication, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Sundance

When I walk into my office I smell sage. It smells like home. My cousin gave me a sage garland to place in the house, a memory of my time at the Sundance. I take the garland into my office … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, framing, Lakota, Native Science, Osage | Tagged , | 3 Comments