An article in Indian Country Today tells an important story of Rosebud Reservation youth learning about historical trauma and becoming stronger from it. The story is headlined: ‘Bring Them Home’: Rosebud Sioux Seeking Return of Relatives Buried at Carlisle. It tells how youth are taking a leadership role to bring home the remains of their young relatives who died in a boarding school. According to the story:
… the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council of Rosebud, South Dakota, passed a resolution to bring home the remains of several Lakota children buried at Carlisle after hearing an impassioned presentation by the members of the Defending Childhood Initiative Youth Council …
Carlisle Indian Industrial School was the nation’s flagship Indian boarding school. This initiative by the Rosebud youth started when member of the Youth Council visited the Carlisle School last year to learn about historic trauma. Their trip included a visit to the school’s cemetery, which inspired action. Click on the link above for the full story.
Using and Abusing the “Navajo” Name to Make a Profit
There has a lot of media coverage about the use of demeaning Indian sports mascots. On the other end of the spectrum of cultural misappropriation are cases where companies use and abuse Native names in order to boost profits.
Indian Country Today provides the latest example, in a recent story headlined: Navajo Nation Suit Against Urban Outfitters Ongoing; ‘Navajo’ Is Not a ‘Generic Term,’ Diné Argue.
The trademark case has been lingering in court for several years. It started in 2011 when the Navajo Nation sued Urban Outfitters for marketing products such as “Navajo hipster panty” and “Navajo print fabric wrapped flask.” According to the story, Urban Outfitters removed the “Navajo” name from its website, but the tribe contends the parent company continues to market “Navajo” labeled products through other company brands.
Diné tribal member Casey John said using the term “Navajo” in this way further colonizes the word. (Click on the story link and look at the photos; you will see why this marketing ploy is particularly offensive.)
“Sweetheart” Pow Wow at St. Paul’s American Indian Magnet School
The St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Department hosts a series of traditional Pow Wows throughout the year. If you want to experience a traditional Pow Wows, this Saturday, Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m. is the “Sweetheart Dance” at the American Indian Magnet School at 1075 East 3rd Street, St. Paul.
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