Writing to give a big thanks to Professor Luci Tapahonso and all of the amazing grad students and U of Arizona staff who hosted me today in the Vine Deloria, Jr. lecture series. I was the last in a series of four speakers (Ray Austin, UArizona; Winona LaDuke, Honor the Earth; and Daniel Wildcat, Haskell Indian Nations University). What esteemed company. Before lecturing on genome research in indigenous communities and changing ethical norms to an attentive audience (thanks to those who attended on a lovely November afternoon in Tucson), I was honored by the nicest introductions I have ever received. Maxine Sam (Tohono O'dham), American Indian Studies (AIS) Master's student gave a moving prayer, partly in my honor. I know it was lovely because she translated it into English after giving it in the O'odham language. Thank you. Then law student Sherri Mitchell (Penobscot) introduced me with an accounting of my work and some great student recommendations that she must have pulled off RateMyProfessors.com (which I never look at; it's all love/hate). She did a thorough accounting of my work, setting it in a broader context of scholarship that supports tribal sovereignty and governance. I appreciate her attentive reading. It did my heart and mind good to be among smart, committed Native scholars all day and evening, and who treated me with such respect. Arizona is Indian Country.
Finally, I have to thank the late Vine Deloria, Jr. in whose honor I was hosted to speak. I never had the honor of meeting him. But his intellectual influence began before I could read. I asked my mother at five years old, "What does it mean 'Custer Died for Your Sins'"? I knew from that time that academic research could be used as a tool of colonization. I later came to see that it can be part of enhancing and expanding Native American sovereignty. In the 21st century the role of science and technology will be crucial in the development of tribal institutions, economies, and governance. I look for tribes to reckon with technoscience in ways that enhance political and "cultural sovereignty" (in Wallace Coffey's and Rebecca Tsosie's words). Native American and other indigenous peoples' engagement can help open up technoscientific practices to a broader array of standpoints and conceptions of the risks and benefits to be had.
(As usual, I have to give local culinary tips: Was treated to great food and ambiance at the historic El Charro Cafe in downtown Tucson. Found smooth organic coffee and expert service at Savaya Coffee Market, Broadway and Craycroft.)
Finally, I have to thank the late Vine Deloria, Jr. in whose honor I was hosted to speak. I never had the honor of meeting him. But his intellectual influence began before I could read. I asked my mother at five years old, "What does it mean 'Custer Died for Your Sins'"? I knew from that time that academic research could be used as a tool of colonization. I later came to see that it can be part of enhancing and expanding Native American sovereignty. In the 21st century the role of science and technology will be crucial in the development of tribal institutions, economies, and governance. I look for tribes to reckon with technoscience in ways that enhance political and "cultural sovereignty" (in Wallace Coffey's and Rebecca Tsosie's words). Native American and other indigenous peoples' engagement can help open up technoscientific practices to a broader array of standpoints and conceptions of the risks and benefits to be had.
(As usual, I have to give local culinary tips: Was treated to great food and ambiance at the historic El Charro Cafe in downtown Tucson. Found smooth organic coffee and expert service at Savaya Coffee Market, Broadway and Craycroft.)
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