In the turn of a phrase, Aitken’s story transported his audience all the way back to the beginning of time, such that for those who were present in the room when he struck the drum one could actually hear “the
Tribal Libraries
The TLAM class recently learned a lot more about the development of tribal libraries in the United States by reading about Lotsee Patterson’s work that began in the 1970s1. With partners like Charles Townley and the support of the Bureau
Starting and Continuing Community Partnerships: Updates and Reflections
One of the themes we’ve discussed in TLAM is the importance of having shared goals[i]. Students and tribal partners should both benefit from working together. As “mutual learners,” it’s important to approach each project with an open heart and mind
Indigenous Knowledge & Children’s Literature*
Think about the types of children’s books you grew up reading. Were American Indians present? What did you learn about them? Was it factual or a misrepresentation? How did you know? On Thursday, TLAM had the pleasure of chatting with
Native (Domestic Dependent?) Nations
“Political sovereignty and cultural sovereignty are inextricably linked, because the ultimate goal of political sovereignty is protecting…a way of life.” -Richard West* Over 180 years ago, John Marshall, a U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, declared that Indian tribes were not
“The Thick Dark Fog”
Last Saturday, February, 9th, the TLAM Student Group had an informal documentary viewing at Robin’s place. We watched “The Thick Dark Fog” by Randy Vasquez,” which focuses on the trauma associated with boarding schools and the road to recovery of Walter
This Will Be My Strength: Language and Storytelling
This week in TLAM, we bought our good friend Rand Valentine back to present and to join our discussion about native languages, revitalization and education programs, and the oral storytelling tradition. There’s a quip about language popularized by Max Weinreich:
Welcome to TLAM – Year 5!
When we set off on our first class trip to the Oneida Nation in 2009, who could have believed that TLAM, now in its fifth year, would still be going strong? But since that wintery day, dozens of SLIS students,
Mary Reflects on Convening Culture Keepers
What did CCK mean for me? I was so lucky to attend this past Convening Culture Keepers. I was able to experience things I never believed I would never have been able to do so otherwise and my definitions of
Oneida Nation hosts Fifth Convening Culture Keepers
Attendees of the fifth Convening Culture Keepers at Oneida, Wisconsin On November 8 and 9, over thirty Wisconsin tribal librarians, archivists, and museum curators at the fifth gathering of Convening Culture Keepers (CCK) hosted by the Oneida Nation. Eleven SLIS