Every summer millions of people flock to Indian Country these trips are either work related, to "see the sights," spend some hard-earned cash in a tribal casino, or to find some sort of New Age experience. However, when these tourist come to the rez, they may be unaware that their rights are not the same as they were off the rez. An awareness of the rights and laws of a tribe before one travels to the reservation is nearly always necessary. If one is heading off to a rez in California, however, one needs to pay very close attention.
The deals that California Indian nations signed to bring Vegas-style casinos to their rez requires them to pay "all legitimate claims" to anyone injured on the Indian land. Critics of tribal governments have railed against the slow nature of tribal authorities and have charged that some tribes are seeking to circumvent these agreements. So vehement have the charges been, that some lawyers are filing suit claiming that the federal government has "stacked the deck" against their clients and has given the Indian nations the ability to nullify state gaming compact items. Gaming compacts (almost regardless of state) require tribes to waive "sovereign power" but the exact definition of that power varies from tribe to tribe and state to state.
In deciding these disputes, some tribes employ retired state judges while others adjudicate their own disputes in tribal court. One of the lead lawyers in the case is suing the state of California after her client's claim was rejected by the Barona Tribe. The client, a 93 year old woman who was knocked down and injured by a man running on the gaming floor. Why sue the state you may ask? Indian nations are sovereign nations and their ability to adjudicate claims of this nature were guaranteed by the federal government through any number of treaties. This Barona case will serve as an interesting example.
The tribal court is composed of members of the tribal council, the same body to which casino operators answer. Tribal lawyers claim that they oversee all rulings made by the council and that the entire justice system is fair on the rez. They stop short at allowing outside courts, such as the state courts, to review their decisions sighting issue of sovereignty. Council members claim that they effectively split their duties as tribal leaders and overseers of the 2000 slot machine casino.
The major conflict here, in my humble opinion, is the role that tribes have come to play in American life since they developed casino-gaming operations. Tribes in all "gaming" states employ large numbers of people (both Indian and non)and rake in fantastic amounts of money (especially those with nearby urban clients). Although the Pequot behemouth at Foxwoods is by no means the norm, tribally owned and operated gaming ventures have given Indian nations an unprecedented voice in the current state of affairs in their states. As sovereign nations, whose rights were and are supported by the United States federal government, shouldn't they be allowed to make and enforce their own decisions? Is the casino a convenient screen to hide behind and allow tribal officials to make corrupt policy? Should the states intervene and use the compacts as a pick to strip away tribal sovereignty?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Oklahoma Centennial
This year the state of Oklahoma celebrates its 100th anniversary, with dances, theater productions, anniversary publications, and other festive activites. However, not everyone in the Sooner state will be celebrating.
One person who will not be taking part in this year's celebration is Lettie Harjo Randall who, as a young child was taken from her Creek (Muscogee) family and sent to a boarding school. As with all of the boarding schools, students' behavior was tightly controlled, militarily regimented; they were forbidden from speaking their native languages, and were entirely isolated from their families. Now almost 70 years old, Randall and many other Oklahoma Indians beleived that their shared history is being subsumed by a celebration of Boomers and Sooners. Members of various tribes plan to "celebrate" the centennial by marching on the state capital in Oklahoma City. The planned marched is designed to raise awareness about the plight of Indian people who call the state home; who had many promises made to them and every one of them was broken.
Some tribes, most notably the Chickasaw, are sponsoring events that conincide with centennial celebrations, most tribes have no organized plans to commenmorate what they see as a continued assault on their tribal cultures and a celebration of their forced removal from their homelands.
One person who will not be taking part in this year's celebration is Lettie Harjo Randall who, as a young child was taken from her Creek (Muscogee) family and sent to a boarding school. As with all of the boarding schools, students' behavior was tightly controlled, militarily regimented; they were forbidden from speaking their native languages, and were entirely isolated from their families. Now almost 70 years old, Randall and many other Oklahoma Indians beleived that their shared history is being subsumed by a celebration of Boomers and Sooners. Members of various tribes plan to "celebrate" the centennial by marching on the state capital in Oklahoma City. The planned marched is designed to raise awareness about the plight of Indian people who call the state home; who had many promises made to them and every one of them was broken.
Some tribes, most notably the Chickasaw, are sponsoring events that conincide with centennial celebrations, most tribes have no organized plans to commenmorate what they see as a continued assault on their tribal cultures and a celebration of their forced removal from their homelands.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Change in Direction
I have left this blog to sit and practically vegetate! I have been remiss with my posts and there is a reason for that. I have decided to change the direction of the blog and rather than use it as a sounding board or discussion, I would like to use it as place to bring you news from Indian Country. An online spot to get some of the most important stories of the day from a vareity of news outlets. All posts will remain Indian related. Also, I am going to open the blog and make it public. Since many of you who were involved in the private blog remained quite, I think this is an opportunity to increase the discussion and information going on around the world concerning Indian affairs.
To those of you who have been with me since our SLOW start, thank you--please keep reading and commenting. For those of you who will be checking this out for the first time, welcome.
To those of you who have been with me since our SLOW start, thank you--please keep reading and commenting. For those of you who will be checking this out for the first time, welcome.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Indian Health Care
How can we expect Indian mental health care to be adequate when their medical care is so woefully lacking? Check this out:
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has ordered Indian Health Service (IHS) officials that--at the risk of their jobs--they should tell their bosses that Indian health care is underfunded to the point that people are losing their lives. A major issue for health care is contract health--when funds run out mid-year, people have to wait for treatment until the next funding cycle!!
In a nation that is the richest and most powerful on Earth, why do we have this situation? The number of Americans without healthcare is alarmingly high across the board, but Indian people suffer further abuses. Remember, that many of the treaties Indian nations signed promised health care in exchange for land. Is the federal government continuing to dispossess American Indian people? Is this a slower and far more sinister form of genocide? Simply sitting back and watching people die may be the best way to justify the governments treatmnt. This has to stop!!
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has ordered Indian Health Service (IHS) officials that--at the risk of their jobs--they should tell their bosses that Indian health care is underfunded to the point that people are losing their lives. A major issue for health care is contract health--when funds run out mid-year, people have to wait for treatment until the next funding cycle!!
In a nation that is the richest and most powerful on Earth, why do we have this situation? The number of Americans without healthcare is alarmingly high across the board, but Indian people suffer further abuses. Remember, that many of the treaties Indian nations signed promised health care in exchange for land. Is the federal government continuing to dispossess American Indian people? Is this a slower and far more sinister form of genocide? Simply sitting back and watching people die may be the best way to justify the governments treatmnt. This has to stop!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Native American Veterans and Mental Health
My work on Indian suicide has taken me to some fairly depressing places. Perhaps none more depressing than this. It seems that a number of American Indian veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are committing suicide at an alarming pace. More than their white and black counterparts, Indian veterans seem to be severely effected by illnesses such as PTSD, depression, and other assoiciated maladies.
Few organizations have responded and the VA is slower than ever, but there is hope. Mental health workers are looking for new ways to help Indian veterans. In some parts of the U.S. specialists are combining modern thearpeutic measures with traditional healing practices (sweat lodges seem most popular). Also, the mental health community is asking tribal elders to encourage returnig soldiers to seek medical help. This is promising, and wonderfully culturally sensative, but success seems to be lacking. It appears that Indian veterans are more susceptiable to combat trauma than non-Indians.
Studies of returning Viet Nam vets showed that Indians were twice as likely to suffer PTSD as other vets. No one has yet explored the depths of combat trauma among Indian vets from our current wars, but mental health workers anticpate levels as high or higher than Viet Nam. 18,000-22,000 Indians currently serve in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces according to the Defense Department. The Army has also released a study that finds that 30% of the returning troops suffer from depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
The approach of combining traditional healing practices and modern mental health treatments will hopefully take care of this problem. It's nice to finally see the federal government taking notice of Indian people, despite the nature of the situation.
Few organizations have responded and the VA is slower than ever, but there is hope. Mental health workers are looking for new ways to help Indian veterans. In some parts of the U.S. specialists are combining modern thearpeutic measures with traditional healing practices (sweat lodges seem most popular). Also, the mental health community is asking tribal elders to encourage returnig soldiers to seek medical help. This is promising, and wonderfully culturally sensative, but success seems to be lacking. It appears that Indian veterans are more susceptiable to combat trauma than non-Indians.
Studies of returning Viet Nam vets showed that Indians were twice as likely to suffer PTSD as other vets. No one has yet explored the depths of combat trauma among Indian vets from our current wars, but mental health workers anticpate levels as high or higher than Viet Nam. 18,000-22,000 Indians currently serve in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces according to the Defense Department. The Army has also released a study that finds that 30% of the returning troops suffer from depression, anxiety, or PTSD.
The approach of combining traditional healing practices and modern mental health treatments will hopefully take care of this problem. It's nice to finally see the federal government taking notice of Indian people, despite the nature of the situation.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Stop Hiding
Folks, I actually posted this site so that we could all engage in some discussions and meet people we otherwise would not. Some of you will choose I'm sure to stay hidden--Nathan, with paranoia rivaled only by that of Josef Stalin--but others would find much to discuss with the other people here. Dan, you and Dave should really talk--Dan has an MFA in film from the University of Toronto; Dave produces movies--see you've both been reading this blog, but with Dave being the only person commenting, you two have never "met."
Those of you concerned with creating an account--it means nothing and it changes ntohing. I've used my Yahoo! account to set up this blog and there is nothing different about it. I've also logged on using my school account, again, nothing changes. So hey, you're reading this, so create an account (it takes all of 10 seconds) and get in the conversation. I'm tired of being the one to proclaim things from on high and get little to no response. What would prompt you to post a reply...let me see here...how about this...George W Bsuh will be remebered as the greatest president in the history of the United States! Will that do?? I know many of you jsut threw up a little bit, so let me know.
Those of you concerned with creating an account--it means nothing and it changes ntohing. I've used my Yahoo! account to set up this blog and there is nothing different about it. I've also logged on using my school account, again, nothing changes. So hey, you're reading this, so create an account (it takes all of 10 seconds) and get in the conversation. I'm tired of being the one to proclaim things from on high and get little to no response. What would prompt you to post a reply...let me see here...how about this...George W Bsuh will be remebered as the greatest president in the history of the United States! Will that do?? I know many of you jsut threw up a little bit, so let me know.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
So much easier if there weren't students
That's exaclty how I view my job! It would be so much easier if there weren't students. BUT, it would be far less fun! As the new semester dawns, I have to say that I am truly excited about the way the year seems to be shaping up. Already the faculty seem to be buying into my plans for departmental changes and the students seem to be "different" this year. I don't how how to define or describe this difference, but they just seem more open and engaged in class. I am looking forward to the course of the semester and don't see this year as an interepution of the things that truly matter to me--reserach and writing.
That being said, I am fully convinced now that my future lay not in academic history, but rather in more popular pursuits. I will still have an active research plan, but my audience (I hope) will now be the public at large rather than 10 other PhDs who are also specilists in my field. What would be the point of that? Some of you are going to look at this and see nothing but career suicide. I understand that within the profession this is so, but I see so much more in the world where I could use my talents than academic history. Some of reading this post are to blame for this decision--and I whole heartedly thank you!
Still, coming from this point, I am looking forward to the semester and actually fairly fired up about the course of the year!
That being said, I am fully convinced now that my future lay not in academic history, but rather in more popular pursuits. I will still have an active research plan, but my audience (I hope) will now be the public at large rather than 10 other PhDs who are also specilists in my field. What would be the point of that? Some of you are going to look at this and see nothing but career suicide. I understand that within the profession this is so, but I see so much more in the world where I could use my talents than academic history. Some of reading this post are to blame for this decision--and I whole heartedly thank you!
Still, coming from this point, I am looking forward to the semester and actually fairly fired up about the course of the year!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Toward a new Indian policy
In the 1950s, Congress passed Public Law 83-280, commonly know as PL 280. Two policies contributed to its passage, termination, which sought to assimilate Indians into American society and culture, and the move to end tribal land holdings. PL 280 encouraged these policies by transferring criminal jurisdiction to state authorities. The other reason Congress passed PL 280 were the various reports of reservation "lawlessness." As a result, PL 280 used state courts and police to extend "public safety" to tribes.
Today, PL 280 (in parts) is still an active policy. While the specter of termination and its twin relocation no longer haunt Indian Country, the jurisdictional issues raised by PL 280 still stop the tribes from using tribal police to enforce laws on the reservation. When PL 280 was passed, the BIA stopped funding courts and police on all reservations that came under the act. Recently, courts stated that PL 280 was not designed to preempt tribal jurisdiction or police authority. Further, the courts stated that tribes and states share "concurrent" jurisdiction over criminal matters, while civil issues are under the purview of the tribe. All of this may be well and good, and a healthy dose of historical misunderstanding, but how does it play among Indians? How well have the state authorities fared as an alternative to tribal controls?
The UCLA Native Nations Law and Policy Center surveyed reservation residents, police, and criminal justice personel. The soon to be made public results show that Indians on reservations believe that state authorities are NOT providing effective service, don't understand tribal cultures and traditions, do not communicate with the tribes, often overstep their authority, and show a lack of respect for tribal authorities. When the same survey was given to law enforcement professionals in PL 280 states, they responded that they believed themselves to be delivering quality services to tribal communities. In non-PL 280 states, reservation residents agree that their courts and police are quality and professional.
This hold over from the 1950s, and the Cold War mindset that favored and forced conformity needs to go and go fast. Indian people routinely support their own tribal courts and police forces, and state that at the tribal level these services meet their needs. As soon as white law enforcement becomes involved, services to the community seem to fall off--the same lack of respect for people and culture that drove Congress to policies like termination and relocation. Perhaps its about time for Congress and the rest of the federal government to recognize that the best policy they could develop for Indians is to LEAVE THEM ALONE. Let Indians be Indians and run their own affairs.
Today, PL 280 (in parts) is still an active policy. While the specter of termination and its twin relocation no longer haunt Indian Country, the jurisdictional issues raised by PL 280 still stop the tribes from using tribal police to enforce laws on the reservation. When PL 280 was passed, the BIA stopped funding courts and police on all reservations that came under the act. Recently, courts stated that PL 280 was not designed to preempt tribal jurisdiction or police authority. Further, the courts stated that tribes and states share "concurrent" jurisdiction over criminal matters, while civil issues are under the purview of the tribe. All of this may be well and good, and a healthy dose of historical misunderstanding, but how does it play among Indians? How well have the state authorities fared as an alternative to tribal controls?
The UCLA Native Nations Law and Policy Center surveyed reservation residents, police, and criminal justice personel. The soon to be made public results show that Indians on reservations believe that state authorities are NOT providing effective service, don't understand tribal cultures and traditions, do not communicate with the tribes, often overstep their authority, and show a lack of respect for tribal authorities. When the same survey was given to law enforcement professionals in PL 280 states, they responded that they believed themselves to be delivering quality services to tribal communities. In non-PL 280 states, reservation residents agree that their courts and police are quality and professional.
This hold over from the 1950s, and the Cold War mindset that favored and forced conformity needs to go and go fast. Indian people routinely support their own tribal courts and police forces, and state that at the tribal level these services meet their needs. As soon as white law enforcement becomes involved, services to the community seem to fall off--the same lack of respect for people and culture that drove Congress to policies like termination and relocation. Perhaps its about time for Congress and the rest of the federal government to recognize that the best policy they could develop for Indians is to LEAVE THEM ALONE. Let Indians be Indians and run their own affairs.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
National Museum of the American Indian
I just came back from the new National Museum of the American Indian. What an experience! I had been to the museum when it was in New York--there the tone was that of a salvaging what was left of a vanishing people. The new center is all about Indian people still being here in the 21st century. It was refreshing to see multi-media presentations with Indians speaking about their culture and their history. Multi-media at an Indian museum is almost entirely unheard of. At the NMAI, the Indians aren't stuck in the past, their not noble "creatures" we should emulate, and their not terrible savages to be feared. Rather, the peoples presented in the most beautiful and respectful manner are just that--people. Thanks to the folks at the Smithsonian for their dedication to presenting history in its fullest form, both the good and the bad.
The way the history of Indian America is presented at the new museum is incredibly powerful. Combine this with a trip to the Holocaust museum and their is no way the avaerage American citizen could ever forget what this country is built upon and what the perils of forgetting (or never knowing) the history of this nation. The Smithsonian (and especially this new museum) are models for historians to look at for how the public should confront history that is less than the ideal and doesn't play into the national myths. Truly, a moving expereince, at times I wanted to cry, but when I left, I felt that it was good and was glad that the museum was so full on this day.
On another note, have you ever noticed that there are some places that just seem to inspire writing? New Orleans helped me write a great short story. Pierre, South Dakota helped me conceptualize life of the people in my Canton manuscript, and DC seems to force some creativity out of me. However, Las Vegas I find too many distractions and Hays, maybe I just haven't found the inspiration there. Just an odd observation.
The way the history of Indian America is presented at the new museum is incredibly powerful. Combine this with a trip to the Holocaust museum and their is no way the avaerage American citizen could ever forget what this country is built upon and what the perils of forgetting (or never knowing) the history of this nation. The Smithsonian (and especially this new museum) are models for historians to look at for how the public should confront history that is less than the ideal and doesn't play into the national myths. Truly, a moving expereince, at times I wanted to cry, but when I left, I felt that it was good and was glad that the museum was so full on this day.
On another note, have you ever noticed that there are some places that just seem to inspire writing? New Orleans helped me write a great short story. Pierre, South Dakota helped me conceptualize life of the people in my Canton manuscript, and DC seems to force some creativity out of me. However, Las Vegas I find too many distractions and Hays, maybe I just haven't found the inspiration there. Just an odd observation.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Baseball in D.C.
I had some extra time on my hands this evening and I decided to take in a Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds games. Hey, baseball is a bit of a passion for me and what else are history conferences for?? Anyway, I noticed a few things about America's Pastime in the nation's capital that I feel are worth mentioning.
1. How the hell can anyone live in this humidity?? Hey, I'm from 2 hours north of this hell-hole and have no idea how I ever lived with this much humidty. At game time (7:05) the humidty was a soupy 84%. That's just disgusting if you ask me. I was literally sitting still and sweating. Everybody in this towns looks greasy because all they do is sweat when they're outside. It's strange how I adapted to living in the west--those of you who think Hays is humid, or even Austin (Dave) should spend a year here one afternoon. ICK!
2. I would watch blind mice play baseball!! OK, I always thought I was a baseball fan, but I'm not, I'm a freak. I literally sat and watched two of the worst teams in the MLB pretend to play baseball tonight. My reasoning: how's this for crazy--Bronson Arroyo pitches for the Reds, he used to pitch for the Red Sox and so I should go see him if I have a chance. Second, Ken Griffey Jr. (future hall of fame shoe-in) plays for the Reds--had to go! Like a said, FREAK!
Now for some observations about baseball in D.C.
1. These dudes play in the Grand Canyon! RFK isn't a stadium, it's an affront to all things holy. Never have a seen a bigger piece of shit. Thank god they're destroying the thing next year and building a new park. It's huge and there are so many obstructed views (I was behind the right field foul pole) that I don't really think there's a good seat in the house.
2. I've been to a lot of parks and never in my life did I see more Dockers and blue Oxford shirts! Is this really the wardrobe of the DC baseball fan. In front of me tonight, much to my pleasure, were four government employees who acted more like frat boys and one lone girl who just kept looking at her companions with the saddest brown eyes I've seen this side of Bambi. This is the future of our nation and baseball! I may actually be more concerned about the latter as the former is already circling the drain of the cosmic shitter!
3. Suit should never be worn to a baseball game! On the lower level of the staduim--where tickets cost a whopping $45, mine was $5 by the way--sat some "important" government types--Congressmen ready for summer break, etc in their suits. If khakis and button-ups are bad, 3 piece suits are awful (see point 1 in the first section).
4. The fans here are very politie. It may be that the Nats suck, it may be that it's more about being seen at the game than really seeing the game, or it could be that the people here are just overly nice. hell, I went to games in Philly growing up, I may be biased. But, these people gave a standing ovation to Ken Griffey Jr. and actually didn't heckle Arroyo when he gave up 4 damn runs in the first inning. Isn't this city supposed to be the birth place of the ugly American? Or is it solely the guy who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Ave? Either way, as baseball fans go, these folks in DC are pretty damn nice.
Well, that's it from here. Baseball in the national capital is unlike baseball anywhere else I've ever been. Some time tomorrow I have to get over to the new National Museum of the American Indian. If I do, you will know.
1. How the hell can anyone live in this humidity?? Hey, I'm from 2 hours north of this hell-hole and have no idea how I ever lived with this much humidty. At game time (7:05) the humidty was a soupy 84%. That's just disgusting if you ask me. I was literally sitting still and sweating. Everybody in this towns looks greasy because all they do is sweat when they're outside. It's strange how I adapted to living in the west--those of you who think Hays is humid, or even Austin (Dave) should spend a year here one afternoon. ICK!
2. I would watch blind mice play baseball!! OK, I always thought I was a baseball fan, but I'm not, I'm a freak. I literally sat and watched two of the worst teams in the MLB pretend to play baseball tonight. My reasoning: how's this for crazy--Bronson Arroyo pitches for the Reds, he used to pitch for the Red Sox and so I should go see him if I have a chance. Second, Ken Griffey Jr. (future hall of fame shoe-in) plays for the Reds--had to go! Like a said, FREAK!
Now for some observations about baseball in D.C.
1. These dudes play in the Grand Canyon! RFK isn't a stadium, it's an affront to all things holy. Never have a seen a bigger piece of shit. Thank god they're destroying the thing next year and building a new park. It's huge and there are so many obstructed views (I was behind the right field foul pole) that I don't really think there's a good seat in the house.
2. I've been to a lot of parks and never in my life did I see more Dockers and blue Oxford shirts! Is this really the wardrobe of the DC baseball fan. In front of me tonight, much to my pleasure, were four government employees who acted more like frat boys and one lone girl who just kept looking at her companions with the saddest brown eyes I've seen this side of Bambi. This is the future of our nation and baseball! I may actually be more concerned about the latter as the former is already circling the drain of the cosmic shitter!
3. Suit should never be worn to a baseball game! On the lower level of the staduim--where tickets cost a whopping $45, mine was $5 by the way--sat some "important" government types--Congressmen ready for summer break, etc in their suits. If khakis and button-ups are bad, 3 piece suits are awful (see point 1 in the first section).
4. The fans here are very politie. It may be that the Nats suck, it may be that it's more about being seen at the game than really seeing the game, or it could be that the people here are just overly nice. hell, I went to games in Philly growing up, I may be biased. But, these people gave a standing ovation to Ken Griffey Jr. and actually didn't heckle Arroyo when he gave up 4 damn runs in the first inning. Isn't this city supposed to be the birth place of the ugly American? Or is it solely the guy who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Ave? Either way, as baseball fans go, these folks in DC are pretty damn nice.
Well, that's it from here. Baseball in the national capital is unlike baseball anywhere else I've ever been. Some time tomorrow I have to get over to the new National Museum of the American Indian. If I do, you will know.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
My Political Candidates and the Problem of Viability
Ok, take a deep breath Dave, I'm back. Today I am on my way to Washington DC for an American Historical Association Workshop and all I can think about is politics. One of the issues I always look for from my candidates is Indian Policy. I get tired of the same old "I support tribal self-determination" bullshit. Any politician who can't come up with something more than that for an Indian policy (holy Ronald Reagan, Batman!) doesn't get my vote. I must admit right away to being a Democrat and as such, no Republican really ever measures up to my standards. When it comes to the candidates running this year, my sympathies--right now at least--lie with Bill Richardson, former Gov. of New Mexico. This comes as no real surprise to me, since I've been old enough to pay attention to politics, my "favorite" cadidates are those with the least likely chance to be elected. It's a damn disease or something. So, since I was obsessed with politics today I went looking for all of the Democratic candidates statements of Indian policy. Surprise, surprise, those that actually took the time to post one on their website gave me the "support self-determination" line that politicians have been passing around since the Nixon days (aren't we there again?? Didn't the President just tell Congress to "go fuck itself" one more time). One thing that I did find was this editorial in Indian Coutnry Today. Below is the full text:
If the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates were as one-dimensional as the popular media portray, American Indians might be hard-pressed to decide which candidate best reflects the values of Indian country. Is it Hillary Clinton, an experienced woman leader? Or maybe it is Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, whose brown skin underscores each audacious speech on paradigm change. John Edwards sheds light on poverty and inequality. The front-runners are evident; their actions in improving the federal-tribal relationship are not. At least their campaign materials boast a basic knowledge of the significance of tribal sovereignty, an improvement from 2004 when George W. Bush famously stumbled through a simple question regarding its meaning. Whether these candidates believe tribal sovereignty is good for Americans is another matter altogether. As they begin to develop Indian policy proposals, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's strong record on government-to-government relations with tribal nations stands as a beacon. Shortly after declaring his candidacy, Richardson told Indian Country Today that if elected president, he would install a cabinet-level secretary of Indian Affairs. Given his record, this is less lip service than intention. In 2005 he appointed Jemez Pueblo native Benny Shendo Jr. as New Mexico's first secretary of Indian Affairs. It is the only state in the country that has a cabinet secretary and a department of Indian Affairs. Spoken commitment followed by action is the key to winning the increasingly critical Native vote. Obama has begun courting the Native vote, circulating a well-versed letter to tribal leaders stating his support for tribal nations. Referring to his somewhat limited legislative record on Indian issues, Obama boldly concluded, ''Only with the benefit of your ideas will we usher in a new era of federal Indian policy - an era of tribal nation-building when tribes, not bureaucrats, determine how to best govern themselves.'' It is campaign rhetoric for sure, but coming from the sincere and charismatic Obama, the words could not be more welcome. He might share aspects of his ''foundational policy for First Americans'' with Indian country through its various media to ensure his bold ideas actually reach Native voters, as news cameras are unlikely to follow him (or any candidate) out to the rez. Taking notice of the strategic advantage of campaigning in Indian country - securing a critical swing vote - Clinton's campaign has formed the Nevada Native American Leadership Council, a group of Nevada tribal leaders united in support of the New York senator's bid for the presidency. The council will serve as an advisory body in Nevada's Indian areas. According to the release, the council will ''play an active role in reaching out and organizing Native American communities.'' Several Indian leaders from throughout Nevada comprise the council. This is a wonderful development for Clinton's campaign and Indian tribes in Nevada; but in New York, where she has served as junior senator since 2000, her record shows little discernable support among tribes. She is, along with Obama, a co-sponsor of a bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Edwards may have the advantage of experience over his first- and second-place rivals. The North Carolina senior senator joined fellow Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., in representing the Lumbee Tribe in its quest for federal recognition. While his opponent for the 2004 Democratic nomination, John Kerry, avoided the issue, Edwards endorsed Indian gaming and expressed support for revenue sharing conflict resolution based on respect and consultation. His national economic plan included investing in Indian country and increasing the funding for community development financial institutions, a program supported by the Department of the Treasury to channel micro-loans to reservations. Edwards would be wise to build upon his past policy proposals for Indian country in order to gain footing in states with small but key Indian constituencies. It is important to note that while the leading candidates are reaching out to Indian country as campaign strategy, they will not appear at what may be the only forum focused solely on Indian issues. Prez on the Rez, an event sponsored by the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN's List), is slated for Aug. 23 at the Morongo reservation in southern California. The forum places Democratic candidates squarely before Indian people to address their concerns. It is the first such forum to be held in Indian country, and leaders of all federally recognized tribes have been invited. The chance afforded to nearly every other group in America has finally materialized for Indian people. Not surprisingly, Richardson was the first to accept the invitation. Unfortunately, the ''Big Three'' won't attend due to scheduling conflicts. It is too bad. Each could benefit from the example set by Richardson, and by experiencing firsthand the strength of Indian leadership and the challenges they face in their communities.
So Indian Coutnry Today feels the same way I do. However, the vast majority of the population could care less about Indian issues (once again, the issue of "Indian-blindness" rears its head). So what are your thoughts? Does anyone really vote the issues anymore or is it all just one big popularity contest? If we sat down, informed ourselves (the way Thomas Jefferson implored Americans to), and actually voted the issues, would the outcomes of our elections be different?
If the 2008 Democratic presidential candidates were as one-dimensional as the popular media portray, American Indians might be hard-pressed to decide which candidate best reflects the values of Indian country. Is it Hillary Clinton, an experienced woman leader? Or maybe it is Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, whose brown skin underscores each audacious speech on paradigm change. John Edwards sheds light on poverty and inequality. The front-runners are evident; their actions in improving the federal-tribal relationship are not. At least their campaign materials boast a basic knowledge of the significance of tribal sovereignty, an improvement from 2004 when George W. Bush famously stumbled through a simple question regarding its meaning. Whether these candidates believe tribal sovereignty is good for Americans is another matter altogether. As they begin to develop Indian policy proposals, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's strong record on government-to-government relations with tribal nations stands as a beacon. Shortly after declaring his candidacy, Richardson told Indian Country Today that if elected president, he would install a cabinet-level secretary of Indian Affairs. Given his record, this is less lip service than intention. In 2005 he appointed Jemez Pueblo native Benny Shendo Jr. as New Mexico's first secretary of Indian Affairs. It is the only state in the country that has a cabinet secretary and a department of Indian Affairs. Spoken commitment followed by action is the key to winning the increasingly critical Native vote. Obama has begun courting the Native vote, circulating a well-versed letter to tribal leaders stating his support for tribal nations. Referring to his somewhat limited legislative record on Indian issues, Obama boldly concluded, ''Only with the benefit of your ideas will we usher in a new era of federal Indian policy - an era of tribal nation-building when tribes, not bureaucrats, determine how to best govern themselves.'' It is campaign rhetoric for sure, but coming from the sincere and charismatic Obama, the words could not be more welcome. He might share aspects of his ''foundational policy for First Americans'' with Indian country through its various media to ensure his bold ideas actually reach Native voters, as news cameras are unlikely to follow him (or any candidate) out to the rez. Taking notice of the strategic advantage of campaigning in Indian country - securing a critical swing vote - Clinton's campaign has formed the Nevada Native American Leadership Council, a group of Nevada tribal leaders united in support of the New York senator's bid for the presidency. The council will serve as an advisory body in Nevada's Indian areas. According to the release, the council will ''play an active role in reaching out and organizing Native American communities.'' Several Indian leaders from throughout Nevada comprise the council. This is a wonderful development for Clinton's campaign and Indian tribes in Nevada; but in New York, where she has served as junior senator since 2000, her record shows little discernable support among tribes. She is, along with Obama, a co-sponsor of a bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. Edwards may have the advantage of experience over his first- and second-place rivals. The North Carolina senior senator joined fellow Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., in representing the Lumbee Tribe in its quest for federal recognition. While his opponent for the 2004 Democratic nomination, John Kerry, avoided the issue, Edwards endorsed Indian gaming and expressed support for revenue sharing conflict resolution based on respect and consultation. His national economic plan included investing in Indian country and increasing the funding for community development financial institutions, a program supported by the Department of the Treasury to channel micro-loans to reservations. Edwards would be wise to build upon his past policy proposals for Indian country in order to gain footing in states with small but key Indian constituencies. It is important to note that while the leading candidates are reaching out to Indian country as campaign strategy, they will not appear at what may be the only forum focused solely on Indian issues. Prez on the Rez, an event sponsored by the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN's List), is slated for Aug. 23 at the Morongo reservation in southern California. The forum places Democratic candidates squarely before Indian people to address their concerns. It is the first such forum to be held in Indian country, and leaders of all federally recognized tribes have been invited. The chance afforded to nearly every other group in America has finally materialized for Indian people. Not surprisingly, Richardson was the first to accept the invitation. Unfortunately, the ''Big Three'' won't attend due to scheduling conflicts. It is too bad. Each could benefit from the example set by Richardson, and by experiencing firsthand the strength of Indian leadership and the challenges they face in their communities.
So Indian Coutnry Today feels the same way I do. However, the vast majority of the population could care less about Indian issues (once again, the issue of "Indian-blindness" rears its head). So what are your thoughts? Does anyone really vote the issues anymore or is it all just one big popularity contest? If we sat down, informed ourselves (the way Thomas Jefferson implored Americans to), and actually voted the issues, would the outcomes of our elections be different?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
On Writing
Why do I feel the need to be entirely alone--no lonely--when I write. I wrote so much more when I was in Utah--talk about lonely. If you want to be lonely move to eastern Utah for 365 days. It starts snowing in October and doesn't stop until late April!! Anyway, somehow in Hays I have put together a good life and have a few good friends--and for some reason I don't have the NEED to write like a did before. Although this is starting to change, I am feeling the excitment to write again, despite having just finished a book.
I'm just not sure what makes someone want to spend their life writing. Perhaps insecurity or some form of social awkwardness, but regardless of the cause, this is what I've chosen to do devote my life to. A life of lonliness, confined to a with nothing but pen, paper, computer, and books?? To most this sounds like the definition of boredom. To me, this is like living life a second time around. Hey, I know it's unlikely that anyone will ever truly know someone else, but writing provides an avenue not only into my derranged psyche, but also that of my friends--who seem to be the source of so much of my ficiton writing. I am obcessed with writing--hell, even reading books about writing better. Perhaps in a past life I was some monk in a lonely monestary with nothing to do but write about devotion to god.
It seems that creativity whether written, visual, or audio is something in the blood--some primal force that moves us; not only to create for ourselves but for others. I seem to have found a way to follow my obcession and get paid for it--sure there's other work that often gets in the way, but life as an historian has allowed me to follow this odd passion. Where did this passion come from? How did it develop? How did all of these words find thier way into my soul? Sometimes it just feels like there are so many words, so many stories and not enough time to write them all. So much passes into the hazy mists of history--past, memory, whatever. I have so much to say--like so many others--and fear that in the end no matter what, everything means nothing.
I'm just not sure what makes someone want to spend their life writing. Perhaps insecurity or some form of social awkwardness, but regardless of the cause, this is what I've chosen to do devote my life to. A life of lonliness, confined to a with nothing but pen, paper, computer, and books?? To most this sounds like the definition of boredom. To me, this is like living life a second time around. Hey, I know it's unlikely that anyone will ever truly know someone else, but writing provides an avenue not only into my derranged psyche, but also that of my friends--who seem to be the source of so much of my ficiton writing. I am obcessed with writing--hell, even reading books about writing better. Perhaps in a past life I was some monk in a lonely monestary with nothing to do but write about devotion to god.
It seems that creativity whether written, visual, or audio is something in the blood--some primal force that moves us; not only to create for ourselves but for others. I seem to have found a way to follow my obcession and get paid for it--sure there's other work that often gets in the way, but life as an historian has allowed me to follow this odd passion. Where did this passion come from? How did it develop? How did all of these words find thier way into my soul? Sometimes it just feels like there are so many words, so many stories and not enough time to write them all. So much passes into the hazy mists of history--past, memory, whatever. I have so much to say--like so many others--and fear that in the end no matter what, everything means nothing.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Indian Suicide
Sure, it's not a great topic, but one that shoudl be discussed. Dave, I think you're comments are right on. The damaging and destructive force in Indian Country remains colonization. The goal posts simply keep moving in Western culture. The acquisition of wealth remains a constant, but what consitutes wealth continues to shift. There was a time not to long ago when owning your own home was a sure sign of wealth--now it seems that if you don't have a McMansion in one of the nation's numerous gated communities, then you're on the verge of being destitute. How do people from a culture that places the communtiy over the individual compete in this environment? Leaving aside the numerous other problems facing the rez, the lack of economic opportunities within a reasonable distance keeps Indian people from fully taking part in western culture. That being said, western cultures have done a good job in eradicating traditional Indian culture and as such, modern Indians are left with almost no culture of their own. Dave, you were correct when you said that I'm not Indian (I wasn't offended, merely oversimplifying), but as a person of Indian heritage I have witnessed the aftermath of cultural destruction--see the personal note to yesterday's post.
I think the issue of Indian suicide is based on a number of factors--we've talked about many. Today, Indian Country Today ran an article stating the Indian Health Service is seeking to eliminate the health care discrepencies in Indian Country. To that end, Congress has appropriated $5 million for "suicide prevention." Isn't that just wonderfully American?? Here's an issue we don't really know what to do with--may as well throw some money at it. Hey, I'm not saying the money won't help, but until we understand the causes of Indian suicide (which are different than the causes in white soceity) we can't really prevent it. The real problem is that the causes of suicide are so numerous when one lives on a rez that I feel there isn't an amount of money in the world that can truly "fix" the problem.
To end on a lighter note--the Royals took 2 of 3 from my Red Sox. In obsessed baseball fan culture, this is a reason to kill oneself--see the reasons are far too numerous. (Clearly this last section is a joke, but I thought I'd better put this in before some of you jump all over me for taking the topic of suicide lightly--that is in no way the case)
I think the issue of Indian suicide is based on a number of factors--we've talked about many. Today, Indian Country Today ran an article stating the Indian Health Service is seeking to eliminate the health care discrepencies in Indian Country. To that end, Congress has appropriated $5 million for "suicide prevention." Isn't that just wonderfully American?? Here's an issue we don't really know what to do with--may as well throw some money at it. Hey, I'm not saying the money won't help, but until we understand the causes of Indian suicide (which are different than the causes in white soceity) we can't really prevent it. The real problem is that the causes of suicide are so numerous when one lives on a rez that I feel there isn't an amount of money in the world that can truly "fix" the problem.
To end on a lighter note--the Royals took 2 of 3 from my Red Sox. In obsessed baseball fan culture, this is a reason to kill oneself--see the reasons are far too numerous. (Clearly this last section is a joke, but I thought I'd better put this in before some of you jump all over me for taking the topic of suicide lightly--that is in no way the case)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Job and Work
I don't want to use this a space to simply bitch and moan, but...In all seriousness, my job keeps getting in the way of my work. I want to research/write and things that interest me, but my damn job keeps getting in the way. Currently, I'm working with two members of the psychology department on an article examining American Indian suicide on the central plains (ND to TX). The topic is great, and pouring through the information has made me realize a number of things. The suicide rate for Indians is amazingly high (2.5 times the national average) and the way the situation is treated simply compounds the problem. The Indian Helath Service treats suicide like a number of other rez issues (alcholism and homicide). Only recently has the IHS turned its attention to the issue of suicide. In their treatment, they have focused on those suicides that are related to alcohol. However, I contend that the majority of Indian suicides are directly related to the "problem" of colonization. The impact of the destruction of culture (Dave, your comments to the last post were so on point it made me think of this) and the overlaying of another, alien, culture has cycled Indian people into a situation were suicide becomes nearly acceptable. A recent article in the NY Times (5/14/07)looked at suicide among Alaska Natives and found that in the past (before colonization) Alaska natives knew almost no incidences of suicide--since contact, the rate has gone up steaily. Why? Here's an idea--the cutlural genocide faced by Indian people has more far reaching consequences than the actual genocide prepetrated against Indians (say in the 19th century). The destruction of cultural norms and traditions still continues to this day and drives Indian people to a number of self-destructive behaviors. And yet, there is more to the reasons of why Indian people commit suicide. Like the IHS, merely arguing for what I have termed cultural genocide creates a black and white where none exists--rather than an "or problem" suicide seems to an "and problem" by which I mean that there seem to be so many deficits to living on reservations that they are nearly insurmountable (poor education, health care, nutrition, etc).
On a personal note, my great grandma (who went to Carlisle) complained about the state of Indian reservations until the day she died. It was only time she ever talked about her Indian heritage--after Carlisle she hated who and what she was. But she worked with a number of early 20th century "friends of the Indians" organization to help aleviate the condition of rez Indians. I find it disgusting that she was working on the same problems that Indians living on reservations confront today. Here was a woman who hated everything about being an Indian and yet found it in her heart to correct what she saw a gross injustice--this is far more closely related to my first post. The injustices that Indian people still face must be made known. As an historian, I was taught that Indians were active participants in their own fates--this is true, BUT in the 21st century when people live in some of the poorest, most isolated, economically unsustainable regions of the country, a case can be made for victimization.
On a personal note, my great grandma (who went to Carlisle) complained about the state of Indian reservations until the day she died. It was only time she ever talked about her Indian heritage--after Carlisle she hated who and what she was. But she worked with a number of early 20th century "friends of the Indians" organization to help aleviate the condition of rez Indians. I find it disgusting that she was working on the same problems that Indians living on reservations confront today. Here was a woman who hated everything about being an Indian and yet found it in her heart to correct what she saw a gross injustice--this is far more closely related to my first post. The injustices that Indian people still face must be made known. As an historian, I was taught that Indians were active participants in their own fates--this is true, BUT in the 21st century when people live in some of the poorest, most isolated, economically unsustainable regions of the country, a case can be made for victimization.
Some thoughts on Michael Vick
In case you haven't heard, or don't care, Michael Vick (QB of the Atlanta Falcons) has been indicted on federal dog fighting charges. Now I know that this is a tangent from yesterday's post, but those of you who know me well know that I like animals far more than people. So when someone with the pubic persona of Vick becomes involved in something like this I feel compelled to voice my opinion. I understand "guilty until proven innocent," but the court of law and the court of public opinion are two very different things. At this point, there's seems to be evidence that Vick was personally involved in the execution of 12 dogs that did not perform up to standards (yuk!). So now the question becomes, "what should the NFL do!" Here's my two-cents--Vick should be suspended without pay for the duration of the indictment. Meaning that as long as he is under indictment, he can't play or be paid. When the indictment turns into charges or Vick is cleared, the NFL should then reevaluate. If the evidence proves Vick was involved with this heinous crime then he goes to jail and the NFL has no options. If he is cleared then all he forfeited was money (far less valuable than his personal freedoms I should think). A business as concerned with image as the NFL seems to be must take some kind of action. There was no precedent when the Commish suspended Pac-Man Jones for the shooting at the Vegas strip-club. Well, I contend that the Commish's actions in the Pac-Man incident have now become the precedent. Let's see if Goodale will use the precedent on the face of the Atlanta Falcons--for me, that's not good enough if Vick is guilty.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Academic History
I hate academic history!! That seems odd coming from someone who has chosen to spend their entire career wading in the waters of history in the academy. I am truly at a crossroads in my early career and feel the pull of more "narrative nonfiction" than academic history. This would put me in the same catagory as those journalists who tred all over our fine discipline. I know that some look down on journalists writing history, but at least their works are readable. So much of modern academic history is theory, jargon, and other psuedo-political tripe that masquerades as academic. Are we (historians) so far removed from what once brought us to this discipline that we can no longer talk to the average man on the street (whatever that means)? What has truly re-lit a fire under me has been the work I've done with Still Spring Productions of Hiawatha Diary. Bringing my work to the larger public--rather than the 10 other PhDs who find academic interest in my topic--has given birth to an unusual feeling in me--optimism! I really believe that if people understand and are exposed to the trials and tribulations facing American Indian people both now and historically, then the idea of the invisible Indian will pass from this nation. Nathan, this is entirely your fault. Without realizing it, you've inspried me once again--your dissertation and the concept of average white people not even seeing Indians has prompted this rethinking of my role as an historian, an Indian, and a human being. Thus, I have a new goal for my writing--to make sure that never again, will Indians be an invisible group in this country! My academic colleagues will scoff, but I believe that my work will have a higher purpose.
First Post
I've been thinking about doing this for some time. Not sure how into this I am, but I'm willing to give this a try.
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