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Native Americans 4 results

Bison Are Sacred to Native Americans — But Each Tribe Has Its Own Special Relationship to Them

Over thousands of years and across diverse landscapes, Indigenous peoples developed traditional ecological knowledge about the bison and their ecosystems, writes Indigenous scholar Rosalyn R. LaPier, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet tribe. Meanwhile, tribes also developed religious customs and sacred places important to their relationship with bison. Click here for this article from The Conversation.

Local Conservancy Now Saving Indigenous Languages Worldwide

Since 2005, Bloomington-based nonprofit The Language Conservancy has helped save indigenous languages across the nation. And now, a partnership with the United Nations expands TLC’s efforts worldwide. As writer Michelle Gottschlich’s article says, in addition to revitalizing endangered languages, TLC’s work is about getting people back “to being a human being.” Click here to read the full story.

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Sexy or Racist? Halloween Costumes That Promote Stereotypes

When is a Halloween costume racist? Unless you’re going as a pumpkin, a zombie, or a couple’s salt and pepper shakers, you might consider the offensive message your costume is sending. Writer Laura Martinez shows why a “sexy Indian princess” costume, for example, perpetuates stereotypes and ignores the history of abuse suffered by Native Americans. Click here to read the full story.

Standing Rock Protestors: ‘Water Is Life’

Protestors at Standing Rock in North Dakota have a simple message: “Mni Wiconi” — Water is life. Or as Laura Martinez, a Bloomington resident and citizen of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, writes, "Life cannot exist without water. We can survive without oil by investing in renewable energy, but we cannot sustain life without clean water." Click here to read the full story.