Serving Indigenous Peoples and Our Friends Since 1981 Volume XXIX Number 5 Friday, April 6, 2012
Miss Hozhoni, 2012-2013
Sunshine Perry Gets the Crown
Dancers enjoy an “intertribal” just during the 48th Hozhoni Powwow on Saturday night. Hundreds of dancers participated in this year’s event, completely filling the floor for Grand Entry.
Hozhoni Days Powwow Reunites the People By Tina Billie The atmosphere was one of excitement pertaining to the Hozhoni Days Pow-wow occurred in the FLC gymnasium last Saturday, on March 31st. Not surprisingly, many people anticipated the premiere final event as was indicated by the large turnout. Spectators were attentive to the dancers performing intricate and elaborate moves, responded instinctively by moving in time to the beat of the drum, and finding humor in the remarks made by the MC. “A good number of our students come from a powwow tradition back home, and this is food for the soul for them.” This statement from Yvonne Bilinski, director of the Native American Center, was included in the Farmington Times article, “Durango college to celebrate Hozhoni Days.” The quote describes the enthusiasm motivating the popular, annual inter-tribal celebration put on by a student-led organization. The Wanbli Ota Club, for many years has managed developments regarding the long-standing tradition, Hozhoni Days festival. Committee members were helped by FLC staff and students, as well as volunteers, to facilitate with various activities that transpired Saturday night. Many attendees, several included visiting parents, were anxious to learn which candidate would be selected this year’s Miss Hozhoni. Fellow student, Tash Ignacio, shared her picks to win were either Deanna Diaz or Sunshine Perry. She elaborated that Perry, whom she considered, “was well-versed in her responses to questions and exhibited confidence in her performance,” during the traditional and modern talent portion of the pageant on Wednesday. Sunshine Perry was crowned this year’s Miss Hozhoni. I noticed her walking about distributing bottled water to the various drum groups, and again this
inside issue Carlisle Football Powwow Winners............2
later extending appreciation to them for their participation in the pow-wow. I congratulated Perry while she had paused for a break during the event. In that moment she had presented her beaded crown to two young girls whom she jokingly referred to them as mini “fans and watched while they eagerly took turns trying it on. It is obvious in her demeanor, that Perry is well suited to her new role, as she appeared relaxed throughout the final event. There was not a moment when she was without a smile and interacting with people. A significant moment near the end of the powwow was when two FLC faculty members were recognized with a song in honor of their contributions to various undertakings they engaged in, alongside the official capacity they presently occupy at the college. Students were called out to the floor to express their gratitude to both, Elaine Silversmith, Librarian/Associate Professor for the Delaney SW Research Library, and Myra Britton, Administrative Assistant III for the NAC. Both will soon depart from FLC to pursue other ventures. Britton has been employed at the college for 25 years and is fondly regarded by many students as “mom.” She urges students, “stand up, be proud of who you are and where you come from. You are rich in heritage and strength, make good choices and always learn from the bad ones and move on.” Her message emphasize with the objective of Hozhoni Days; to value both culture and tradition by celebrating it. To obtain more details about Hozhoni Days, aside from this brief overview of the Saturday night pow-wow, click on the link below. http://www.dailytimes.com/ci_20216388/durangocollege-celebrate-hozhoni-days-5-52-p
Miss Indian World..........3
PHOTOS - Powwow.......5
PHOTOS Miss Hozhoni..................4
Movie Reviews Smokin’ Salmon and More Than Frybread.......6
By Noel Altaha “I just felt butterflies! I was excited and nervous! But nonetheless, completely honored!” These are the thoughts that ran through Sunshine Perry’s head as she was titled FLC’s Miss Hozhoni on Saturday night. Intertribal News interviewed one of our own reporters, Sunshine Perry, who won the title FLC’s Miss Hozhoni, in a competitive pageant during FLC’s annual Hozhoni Days Pow Wow. Perry shared her experience in running and her hopes for the upcoming reign for the 2012-2013 academic year. Perry is from Fort Hall, Idaho and is ShoshoneBannock and Navajo. She is currently a sophomore, majoring in Native American Indigenous Studies (NAIS) with a minor in pre-law. According to Perry she is not aware of anyone from her Shoshone-Bannock tribe to hold this title and she proudly says, “I am honored to represent my tribes, FLC, Native American student populations and Wanbli Ota.” The decision to run for Miss Hozhoni was based on her intentions of being a representative for the FLC Native American population. “I wanted to help recruit youth and be a role model for them. I want to be able to be a voice for the Native American students,” said Perry with enthusiasm. According to the Miss Hozhoni requirements the representative will act as a student ambassador of FLC and be active in events throughout her reign. Perry stated that this is one of the major interests for her, “to represent the students the best I can by attending as many powwows and events/conferences as I possibly can.” Perry believes the upcoming year will be rewarding and doesn’t anticipate any major challenges because of her familial support. She also stated, I know things will be less challenging if I just manage my time well and stay true to my culture and the things I believe.” According to Dawn Murphy, a student from the Hozhoni Days committee and someone with firsthand experience of running in this pageant (2011-2012), Perry was knowledgeable of her culture and her “humble personality made her stand out.” Aside from this title, Perry is involved in extra circular activities such as the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS). Her induction is expected to be in the fall semester. One of her talents include beading, Perry excitedly stated, “would absolutely love to share this talent with students anywhere on campus.” As far as this summer is concern, Perry is already filling up her calendar with upcoming Pow Wows and work. “This summer I plan to travel around and represent FLC at as many powwows as I can! But I also
Please See “Miss Hozhoni,” p. 8
FLC Grad Helps TCJ “Vagina Dialogues” includes Native Views.....7 New Faculty in NAIS Pro Baseball.....................8
April 6, 2012
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Intertribal News
IN Student Feature The Intertribal News welcomes the comments of its readers. If you would like to express your opinions, please write us a letter. All letters must include the name and contact information of the author. Letters may be edited for length and journalistic concerns.
Powwow Winners Here are the winners of the competition portions of this year’s Hozhoni Days Powwow, thanks to Myra Britton, sponsor, Wanbli Ota Club, and administrative assistant at the Native American Center. Men Men
Men
Men
Men
Fancy
1st 2nd 3rd Grass 1st 2nd 3rd Northern Traditional 1st 2nd 3rd Southern Traditional 1st 2nd 3rd
Winner Isaiah Bob Spike Draper Quanah Henry Lee Jack, Jr. Darryl Bolton Sheldon Scalplock Jr. Brando Jack Kenny Donaghey Sheldon Shebala Michael Grant Marc Keka Michael C. Grant
Women Women
Women
Women
Women
Photos of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School’s sports teams still reveal the amazing story of Native American athletics at the turn of the last Century. Native youth from across the US were represented.
TV Film Features Carlisle School Football By DJ Seeds According to “The Hollywood Reporter,” the biweekly publication magazine that serves as the voice for the entertainment world, American Movie Classics, or AMC television is developing a football drama titled, “The Real All Americans”. The new show is based on the book, “All Americans” written by Sally Jenkins that tells the story of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School’s football teams that consisted of young Native American men. There are many names associated with Carlisle as well as this current new project, including that of Richard Henry Pratt, who founded Carlisle with the hope of civilizing Native peoples. Some regarded him as an advocate for Native peoples while others felt he committed genocide with his philosophy of “kill the indian, save the man.” Jim Thorpe, Olympian and arguably the most gifted athlete of his time, attended Carlisle and played
Elayne Silversmith, right, CSWS Librarian, was faculty sponsor for the Miss Hozhoni Pageant. She was honored at the Powwow by outgoing Miss Hozhoni, 2011-2012, Tawnie Knight.
football there as the school received national attention for its’ ‘Indian-led’ juggernaut squad led by Thorpe and coach Glenn “Pop” Warner. “While these two men were at Carlisle, trick plays including reverses, flea-flickers, and even the spiral throw were originated by them, causing opponents to be thwarted from any chance of winning. By 1907, the Carlisle Indians were considered the most dynamic team in college football ousting powerhouse ivy league teams such as Harvard and Yale. Also, in 1912, the great Dwight D. Eisenhower representing Army, found himself against Thorpe and the Carlisle Indians who beat the bigger Army team 27-6, and even causing the future president to injure himself while tackling Thorpe,” according to the book, Gridiron Guts: The Story of Football’s Carlisle Indians. Additionally, the selection of Tommy Lee Jones as director of the pilot is the hot topic stirring up the show’s popularity. According to Collider.com, an online source with the latest-breaking events that involve entertainment, “Jones is a former football player who played high school football in Texas and for the Harvard Crimson where he was an ivy-league nominee and played in the infamous game Harvard beats Yale 29-29.Not to mention, Jones identifies himself as having Cherokee descent.” AMC features popular TV shows including: Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, and a western drama titled, “Hell on Wheels”. “Hell on Wheels is set in 1865 during the post-Civil War construction of the first transcontinental railroad,” according to the AMC show description. Interestingly enough, there are special appearances made by familiar faces in Hell on Wheels including Wes Studi and Eddie Spears who portray Native Americans in the show. If the new college football drama continues as planned, expect great results and anticipate an exciting new show to watch!
Fancy
1st 2nd 3rd Jingle Dress 1st 2nd 3rd Northern Traditional 1st 2nd 3rd Southern Traditional 1st 2nd 3rd
Teen Boys Teen Boys
Teen Boys
Teen Boys
Keya Clairmont Patricia Benally Shandur Jack Paula Shebala Tashina Barber December Arrow White Terra Trujillo Cree Medicine Bear Vikki Joe Cheryl Iron Sharon BrokeShoulder Delaine Alley
Fancy 1st Lance Yazzie 2nd Jarid Yazzie 3rd Kenneth Shirley Grass 1st Slik Nez 2nd Joshua Benally 3rd Desmond Madera Traditional 1st Harley Benally 2nd Lyndrith Yazzie 3rd Donovan Chee-Chief
See “More Powwow Results,” p. 8
INTERTRIBAL NEWS
A FORT LEWIS COLLEGE STUDENT PUBLICATION
Editors Noel Altaha Zach Hooper
Ryan Desautel DJ Seeds Taryn Yuzos
Reporters Kyle Arnold Tina Billie Sharilyn Browning Lloyd Padilla Sunshine Perry
Now on the Webat: http://blogs.fortlewis.edu/intertribalnews/ Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Rick Wheelock wheelock_r@fortlewis.edu The FLC Intertribal News is a publication of Fort Lewis College students. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Native American Center or of the College. The Intertribal News extends its special thanks to the John and Sophie Ottens Foundation, FLC Student Services, the Native American Center and the Department of SW Studies and American Indian Studies for their generous support. Any donation which would help us with our production costs is greatly appreciated!
April 6, 2012
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Intertribal News FLC’s Jessa Growing Thunder -
Jessa Seeks Miss Indian World Title
The outgoing Miss Hozhoni, Tawnie Snow Knight and the outgoing 1st Attendant, Alysha Guthrie, take some time to pose with Miss Indian World, Marjorie Tahbone, during the pageant’s traditional food night!
Miss Indian World Graces Hozhoni Days By Taryn Yuzos Marjorie Tahbone, the current Miss Indian World, attended the 48th annual Hozhoni Days Pow Wow on March 30-31st here at the Fort Lewis College. Marjorie spent a major part of the week for the Miss Hozhoni pageant, on campus, and was able to spend time with the candidates and even be a judge for some events that took place. “It was great to be a judge at the Miss Hozhoni Pageant! It was different being on the other side of the table.” Participating as a judge on the committee, I found that there are various events to be judged. Ms. Tahbone is from Nome, Alaska and upon winning the prestigious title said, “It was pretty amazing when I heard my name announced. It just never occurred in my brain that it could happen.” The surreal feeling associated with winning the crown is due to the hard five day competition with other Indigenous women from across the world. According to the Gathering of Nations website and sponsorship of the actual competition, “Miss Indian World is selected by acquiring points in a variety of categories and must be knowledgeable about the Tribe(s) and Traditions she will be representing.” She was a very social and inspiring figure on campus the week she visited. Marjorie met many new individuals and had an impact on the contestants for Miss Hozhoni. All of the contestants had nothing but great remarks. Sunshine Perry, the winner of this year’s Miss Hozhoni crown said, “She was a really amazing and inspirational woman! She is a good role model and leader for our indigenous people!” When asked via e-mail how the visit and campus was to her liking, she had this to say, “…the people I met there [;] they were all so wonderful and nice, it was a great experience to be there and see around the college. There were so many opportunities for the Native American students that attend there; it was so great to see!” As Miss Indian World, Marjorie is placed under the rules and regulations of the crown. She follows them meticulously. Among those rules is the requirement to be a drug free and alcohol free young woman. These guidelines are simplistic for her to follow, “I have no problem with. I have chosen to follow the drug and alcohol free route far before being crowned Miss Indian World.” She is a great example for the
youth by choosing this - not so easy - route to live a clean and sober life. Some of her most memorable and treasured moments while being Miss Indian World have been spending time with the children, “I love speaking to young children, I usually show a traditional dance and demonstrate some native games and the kids just love it so much…the little kids are my favorite audience.” According to some of the qualifications for competing for Miss Indian World, one must be between the ages of 18-25 and have verifiable tribal affiliation. Ms. Tahbone is half Kiowa from Texas and Oklahoma and half Inupiaq from Alaska. She is a college student as well, “I am currently a senior in Alaska Native Studies and minoring in Inupiaq language at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.” Marjorie is a stunning example of a strong, traditionally sound, eloquent, respectful young Native American woman and does her best to represent ALL of Indian Country.
Jessa Rae Growing Thunder is a contestant for the Miss Indian World Pageant, which is held at the Gathering of Nations Powwow, April 26-28th.
By Sunshine Perry Jessa Rae Growing Thunder is a member of the Assiniboine/Sioux tribes and from Fort Peck, Montana. She transferred here to Fort Lewis College from Northern California University. She is majoring in Native American and Indigenous Studies. Jessa is one of the many contestants striving to win the title of Miss Indian World. The Miss Indian World Pageant takes place during the 3-day Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Miss Indian World is selected by acquiring points in a variety of categories and must be knowledgeable about the Tribe(s) and Traditions she will be representing. At the end of the five day competition, the contestant with the highest accumulated points will be crowned Miss Indian World to reign for one year. The requirements in running for this title are the initial application, two letters of recommendation from accredited individuals, an essay introducing yourself and why you are seeking to be MIW, a talent, raffle tickets sold, public speaking skills, and traditional knowledge. “I have walked into this opportunity with an open heart that all of us contestants are hoping to be a respectable ambassador for not just Native women, but for all Native people,” this was Jessa’s reply when asked why she chose to run for this title. When I asked Jessa what she looks forward to the most if crown MIW she said, “the thing I would look forward to most is the opportunity to travel to other Tribal communities and experience their resources and knowledge of cultural preservation,” “Many people out there believe in this stereotype that our culture is on a declining slope, but our history has proved that through the genocide mentality we have found ways to protect our traditions and continue to practice them as well as pass them down.” Jessa has held two other titles before, Miss Humboldt, and Miss UC Davis, which were both California titles. She has a very supportive and loving family helping her every step of the way. She says,” My family has always explained to me that as long as I keep my heart open, I can do anything I want in my life. With their support I have put my best foot forward with all that I do.” Along with being a contestant for Miss Indian World, Jessa is co-founder of an awareness campaign based on the rising issue of Sexual and Domestic Violence placed upon Native Women, called the Save Wiyabi Project (wiyabi is Assiniboine for” women”). Their goal is to make a viral impact in tribal communities as a nation, to bring the voice to Native women and help empower them, and to also educate others of useful resources. One of their biggest issues directed towards is the Reauthorization of the Violence against Women Act and the SAVE Native Women Act. Both of these bills are important pieces to the solution, handing tribal court systems the proper resources and authority to handle such cases and aid victims. For generations this has been an issue, but Save Wiyabi believes that this generation has the knowledge and opportunities to stand up for our rights and look out for each other. “As long as we can make an impact for one person, one victim out there, let her know she doesn’t have to be silenced, that she doesn’t have to feel alone, then we have accomplished what we hoped to.”
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Intertribal News
April 6, 2012
Miss Hozhoni Pageant Features... Martha McCabe, Kayla Joe, Sunshine Perry, Retanna Naize, Daisa OneFeather and Deanna Diaz, all contenstats for the Miss Hozhoni title, smile for the camera after each one presented a food traditional to her tribe. Every contestant gave a sample of their food to the judges and also shared with the spectators.
...Native Role Models and... With reigning royalty standing behind them, the Miss Hozhoni contestants took on the challenges of the Miss Hozhoni Pageant through the week of March 26-30th. Despite hours of demonstrations of their talents and knowledge, the women kept their composure, to the honor of their people and fellow students.
...Exciting Moments For All!
Sunshine Woman With Two Lives Perry, Shoshone-Bannock from Fort Hall, ID, was crowned the new 2012-2013 Miss Hozhoni during the evening session of Saturday night’s powwow.
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Intertribal News
48th Annual Hozhoni Powwow:... With the new royalty in the background, FLC President, Dr. Dene Thomas, honored out-going Miss Hozhoni 2011-12, Tawnie Knight, with a shawl after the Miss Hozhoni presentations Saturday night of the Powwow.
Memorable Moments and... Well-known elder John Emhoolah presided over the Powwow as emcee. His steady hand and voice guided the event through the many dance sessions and “specials,�bringing a proud atmosphere to the event.
...A Reunion Of The People! New Miss Hozhoni, Sunshine Perry, and First Attendant, Deanna Diaz, were honored with a special dance after the crowning. Congratulations, Sunshine and Deanna!
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Intertribal News
March 2, 2012
Movie Review -
More Than Fry Bread Wins Honors in Durango Film Festival
Cory Mann, Tlingit filmmaker, struggles to regain traditions and culture in this year’s Hozhoni Days Featured film. His casual demeanor draws audiences into a story of family and the beauty of Alaska.
Hozhoni Days Featured Film Reviewed -
Smokin’ Fish Portrays Laid-Back Struggle
By Kyle Arnold I decided to write my article on this film trailer that my friend sent to me over Facebook, the film is called “More Than Fry bread” directed by Holt Hamilton. The story centers around the imaginary WWFA (worldwide fry bread association) and five fry-breadmaking gurus from some twenty-two federally recognized Indian Nations in Arizona as they prepare and compete in the ultimate fry bread making challenge. The film was shot on location at five different reservations: Navajo, Hopi, Tohono O’odham, Yavapai/ Apache. The film is currently making its way through Indian country, being viewed at local theatres and tribal communities. This film won the best feature award at this year’s Durango Independent Film Festival. On the film’s Facebook page, the director is shown going all over the country with the film. Sometime in the near future, they will be showcasing this film in the New Mexico area. The film is a very funny with mostly an allNative American cast, which surprisingly, is most of their first leading roles in a movie. For more information on the cast and movie show times please visit the links below.
By Zach Hooper It is that wonderful and busiest time of the year again here on campus: Spring! And as such, many events are taking place in observance of Hózhóní Days at Fort Lewis College. Sure, the pageant for Miss Hózhóní and the powwow are important in expressing our Indigenous heritage but some of the “smaller” events like the Hózhóní films are often overlooked by the public. I’m talking about the Smokin’ Fish film shown on Thursday evening, March 29th. This film addresses the most important contemporary issue for all Indigenous people: How do we balance our Native way of life with the mass society? In this down home, engaging film, Cory Mann, a Tlingit from the Thunderbird clan, tries to reclaim his traditional values and the way of life of his people by regaining the strength of his family and salmon fishing. Mann’s family was the biggest influence, or guidance, for him as he struggled to relive his traditions. As the saying goes “it takes a village to raise a child.” Mann struggled in knowing his Indigenous heritage but with the help of his aunts and grandmother, he balances smoking salmon with his job as a fabric supplier. And it’s not just the young generation who are
struggling with getting in touch with their Native lifestyle and teachings, “there are people in my generation that haven’t figured it out yet” according to Esther Belin, Diné and faculty member of the FLC writing program, “part of it is in terms of the education we’re receiving.” Indeed, education and experiences play a role in Mann’s life. In Smokin’ Fish, Mann left his family to go to college to study business. Eventually, he traveled around Southeast Asia exploring different cultures and businesses. But Mann realizes in the film that trade is a cultural and historical aspect of the Tlingit. In the olden days, the Tlingit became wealthy days, when they traded their salmon for elk meat and other goods with other tribes. “It can be done that idea of cultural connectivity,” Belin commented, “It doesn’t have to be about improving it and I thought that was the beauty of it.” Improving not our culture but reliving it like what Mann did in Smokin’ Fish when he smoked salmon using his grandmother’s old smoke shack. The audience at the Hozhoni event had different reactions to Smokin’ Fish but there was only one message that everyone got. We all must find balance between our work and our way of life for cultural identity.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2073616/combined#com ment http://www.facebook.com/frybreadmovie#!/frybread movie
Both a practical part of subsistence and a symbol of identity, smoking salmon provide the film’s focus.
April 6, 2012
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Intertribal News
Fort Lewis College Graduate’s Experience -
Mariana Harvey at Tribal College Journal By Noel Altaha Intertribal News (IN) caught up with FLC alumni and former reporter for IN, Mariana Harvey to discuss her recent employment with Tribal College Journal of American Indian Education (TCJ). Her internship was located in Mancos, Colorado from January 2008 through April 2008. TCJ is a magazine publication that focuses on American Indian and Alaskan Native education. The forum includes tribal college administrators, faculty, staff, and students. In 2000, TCJ moved to Mancos, Colorado and has worked with FLC students through internships like Harvey’s. Mariana Harvey is Yakama and Cowlitz. She graduated from FLC in 2008 with a degree in American Indian Studies (AIS). AIS was the initial department name, however it is now known as Native American Indigenous Studies (NAIS) program. At FLC, Harvey became involved in the Buffalo Council, BC, a registered student organization. Harvey stated that she supports the evolution of the organization and as alumni she continues to support BC. One reason for Mariana to join the IN staff was due to her high school experiences that involved the changing of its Indian mascot. Harvey stated that her older sister initially created the change. She stated that the greatest impact was realizing her own “complete ignorance of tribes in terms of political status.” As an IN reporter and editor Harvey reported on Native American issues where most students were likely to be uninformed. She enjoyed the freedom of writing on any issue of interest. For her, writing for the Intertribal News was a bridge between outside issues and the FLC population. “It was like writing mini-research papers. Afterwards students would approach me and state that they learned from the articles,” recalls Harvey. Dr. Wheelock, the faculty sponsor and teacher of the classes that produce IN, was the bridge for Harvey and an internship with the Tribal College Journal. “He set me on that path and since then, I have been called back to work [at TCJ] on special projects” said Harvey. Harvey was recently selected as a special editor for the TCJ’s student competition for 2011 and 2012. Harvey read and reviewed the numerous student essays. She assisted in the selection of the winners. With Dr. Wheelock’s retirement approaching this May, Harvey shares her vision and hopes for the future of IN. “Those are really big shoes to fill of Dr. Wheelock’s, he has many capabilities and I would like to see someone step up to take on the work.” Interestingly, as for the current state of IN, Harvey states confidently her position about the need to continue the publication in print. “I know print is dying out due to cost, but I enjoy picking up a copy and reading it. I felt special to have it sitting in my mailbox. I miss sitting around with the staff eating donuts and labeling the issues with addresses,” said Harvey with a smile. While interning with the Tribal College Journal, Harvey wrote reviews on projects such as “Media, Dissertations, and Other Publications from the Tribal Colleges,” (http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org/archives/5173). In this particular project, Harvey researched various Tribal Colleges and explored the media and technological resources available to its students. One particular type of resource stood out, she paused and thoughtfully stated, “It was inspiring and informative
to learn that Tribal Colleges had such resources like recordings of Tribal elders’ teachings that were available to all students in their library.” For Harvey, IN was considered one of her favorite classes while at FLC. She said it’s a great skill to have because of the need to be neutral on topics and to do the research. According to Rachel Marchbanks, a publisher for the Tribal College Journal in the Mancos office, Harvey has diverse talent. Marchbanks warmly commented on her experience working with Harvey, “very creative, and is meticulous with attention to detail; it was mutually beneficial.” Marchbanks has had past interns from FLC and stated TCJ enjoyed working with them. “We are looking for more interns,” said Marchbanks. Readers can visit TCJ at Tribal College Journal: http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org/
http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org/
FLC Actress Speaks in Vagina Monologues By Noel Altaha Deanna Diaz is one busy individual, but the tireless actress, singer, Miss Hozhoni 1st attendant and student leader allowed Intertribal News a brief interview before her debuted performance in FLC’s student directed version of The Vagina Monologues. The Vagina Monologues is a world famous play written by Eve Ensler in 1996. According to the website for V-Day, female performs every monologue and it relates to the vagina. Themes include sex, love, rape, menstruation, female genital mutilation, masturbation, birth, and orgasm. The play has created a non-profit movement, V-Day, and has raised over $75 million dollars for women anti-violence groups. The play was performed in the Ballroom in the FLC student union building last Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. This year’s proceeds will benefit the following local non-profit organizations, Our Sister’s Keeper Coalition Inc., Women’s Resource Center, and Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO). Andew Tomasi, a senior majoring in Gender and Women’s Studies has directed this play at FLC for two consecutive years. His experience with Diaz has been positive, “Deanna’s a wonderful, committed individual, and it has been my pleasure to get to know h e r . ” According to Tomasi several other self-identified Native American students also performed. Diaz is Tonawanda Band of Senecas. Her major is anthropology and is currently a junior. The Vagina Monologues is considered a commentary to Diaz “about challenges that go along with being a woman or as identifying as a women in our society.” Her inspiration to be involved was due to the multifaceted content of the play. “It’s a celebration and [a] tool of awareness of everything it is to be a woman without man-bashing. It’s completely real and represents all women no matter what age, preference, ethnicity,” stated Diaz. As an Indigenous student in this play, Diaz stated it was significant, “in my experience as an indigenous woman having lived on the reservation most of my life, I had never experienced anything sexually positive in my community.” Diaz stated her mother was open about sex conversations and body development but it was the community’s attitude of making
young adults feel ashamed about the human development. “I thought these things because of the negativity I heard from other people, older people, respected people, tribal leaders, said Diaz. Women themselves perpetuated a lot of this negativity which is one reason Diaz entered this play. She stated she was to promote a positive sexual identity for her audience to witness. “I want to help others overcome prudish ideals; many native women and men repress their sexual identities and [it] can be destructive.” Diaz believes being comfortable with oneself can lead to more confident people. As for any particular walk-away message, Diaz argues that ones experience is unique and the message will be relative to the individual. “The experience of the play is personal and can be interpreted in many w a y s . All I can say is come in with an open mind and leave your reservations at the door,” said Diaz. Readers can learn more on the non-profit with the following information. Our Sister’s Keeper Coalition (970) 247-7888 Women’s Resource Center http://www.wrcdurango.org SASO 24 hour hotline 970-259-3974 www.durangosaso.org
Deanna Diaz, right, was also crowned First Attendent to Miss Hozhoni, 2012-2013 this year!
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April 6, 2012
Intertribal News
New Faculty Member for NAIS Announced
Opening Day is Upon Us! -
Spring means Major League Baseball By Lloyd Padilla Come one, come all! Another season has finally arrived and is upon us baseball fans! Opening day started with the newly renamed Miami Marlins hosting the defending World Series champions the St. Louis Cardinals.. The Marlins moved up their batting practice so they could make time for the pre-game ceremonies as they opened up the new Marlins Park baseball arena. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali delivered the baseball to the mound to kick off the pre-game celebration ceremonies. The Cardinals came away with the victory with the score (4-1). The entire master schedule of the regular season was released on September 14 2011, with the season scheduled to end on Wednesday October 3rd. Some changes made this 2012 postseason were made as it was expanded to include a second wild card team in each league. This season will mark the last for the Houston Astros of a member of the National League. With Jim Crane as the new owner of the team, the Astros have agreed to move to the American League effective in the 2013 season. They will be joining the American League-West where they will be joining their in-state rival the Texas Rangers. This year’s All-Star game will be held on July tenth at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The winning league will earn Home-Field Advantage for the 2012 World Series. That will begin on October 24th, and is scheduled to end no later than November 1st. This upcoming season looks to be one of the best yet. Many off-season trades between players and General Managers have taken place and the young rising talent promise to bring more excitement and entertainment to the sport of baseball.
Miss Hozhoni Continued from Page One plan to make some summer money, by helping my dad bale hay and continue working at the Boys&Girls Club in Ignacio.” In reflecting upon her busy and demanding preparation of the past week, Perry shines with optimism as she shared her favorite parts of the grueling process. She most enjoyed the people she met and the new friendships spawn from this experience. “I can only imagine what this year has in store for me.”
By DJ Seeds According to Dr. Majel Boxer, head of the Native American and Indigenous Studies program, Mr. Nichlas Emmons has been selected as the new professor for the Native American and Indigenous Studies program at Fort Lewis College! Four very gifted candidates arrived to campus from March 13th through March 21st to compete for the professor position that Dr. Rick Wheelock leaves behind as he retires after the current semester. As beneficial and exciting as it would have been to hire all four candidates, the search committee came to a selection of soon-to-be Professor Emmons. The search committee was headed by Dr. Majel Boxer, Dr. Kathy Fine-Dare, Dr. Delilah Orr, and myself, as the student representative. The selection process was both interesting and difficult as Dr. Boxer describes it as, “Exciting but also exhausting. There are a lot of behind-the-scene processes that most people don’t see, but it’s absolutely pivotal to select someone to fill the position that Dr. Wheelock leaves.” As student representative, I got to spend time with all of the candidates including Professor Emmons, and received several students’ input on which professor they preferred or enjoyed in particular. In an interview with Professor Emmons, students and myself asked him several questions including: Why did you choose Fort Lewis? His response was, “I was first attracted by the position at Fort Lewis College because of its large Native American population. Second, I really felt like the position would permit me to teach a lot of different courses and give me experiences that help me to grow personally and professionally. Of course, the natural beauty also is an advantage. Although there were other colleges and universities interested in me, I felt a really strong connection with the students and faculty at FLC. I am both humbled and excited about this opportunity.” Next, we asked how he felt about living in Durango and he responded with, “Durango is unlike my current town, Muncie, Indiana. There are so many diverse things to do and see. I also am really excited to become more involved within the community. I prefer small towns, such as Durango, and I think I will really be able to grow into it.” Lastly, we asked Professor Emmons what he hoped to bring to the NAIS department. “I hope to bring courses with an environmental focus to the curriculum. I would love to teach a course in environmental justice (in Indian Country) and sacred ecology. In the fall, I am teaching a course called, “Native Americans and Native Lands,” which aims to discuss the trustee relationship, land reacquisition and restoration, and indigenous activism and resistance toward environmental degradation on Native lands. Perhaps in the near future, after I am at the college and can get the logistics worked out, I would like to offer courses in land tenure (fall semester) and natural resource management (spring semester). Of course, because I am new to the department, I will be able to bring something uniquely different to current program courses. Students will have to fill out the seats to know what I am about!” With Dr. Wheelock’s retirement approaching, I asked him what his thoughts were on the new staff addition to the program. “We’re really trying to develop connections to land tenure foundations, as well as getting students to start thinking about economics and natural resources more in-depth, and I’m excited to see that brought into the program by Professor Emmons.” Dr. Emmons (ABD) received his BA, MA, and Ph.D (in progress) from Ball State University in
Nichlas Emmons will come to FLC’s Native American and Indigenous Studies Department this coming Fall. He will join department chair, Dr. Majel Boxer, in the department. political science and environmental studies with a native studies concentration. On behalf of the student population majoring in the NAIS field, we are very excited for Professor Emmons’ arrival on campus and his contributions to the program. Be sure to greet Professor Emmons and register for one of his classes next fall!
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