The articles from Keywords were helpful when it came to better understanding the terminology and origins with “Indian” and “Indigenous.” I recall that the term “Indian” came about because of Christopher Columbus’s mistake. The more I learn about Columbus, the more I can’t stand the problematic ways of teaching history. Overall, I appreciate how Keywords is part of the curriculum because it not only gives origins and definitions behind these terms but goes into the power behind these words, especially when considering how these terms are used to define one’s identity. The “Identity” article goes into how it’s not a simple term to define because, like intersectionality, there are facets to identity in itself. There’s one’s personal identity and social identity. Personal identity relates to our preferences and tastes; whereas, social identity relates closer to intersectionality wherein either a person’s chosen labels or an outsider’s assumptions is where identity categories emerge.
For Natives (I assume this is the preferred term on page 130 in Keywords--please do correct me if there's an issue), being Native is not simply a racial category, which is where the “Indigenous” reading is important to understand because it brings clarity to the relationship people have with the land. The reading states a variety of reasons why people may define themselves as indigenous include (1) historical continuity with pre-colonial societies (2) ties to territories and natural resources (3) relation to distinct institutions (4) their distinct culture and beliefs (Kauanui 133). There are probably more reasons, but this list shows readers that Native and indigenous is a complex identity within itself in the span of what can constitute one’s intersectional identity.
These articles from Keywords were also useful when it came to the pdf readings. This is my third time reading the first couple of chapters from Thomas King’s The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative, which showcases how important this reading is for studies in rhetoric. King uses a Native story to not only share the importance of storytelling in rhetoric but to also show how stories are an important cultural element for indigenous people everywhere.
As for Louise Eldrich’s story, it is centered on language as her major cultural tie to her heritage. Language has a lot of power, and with the English language it’s a sign of colonialism and imperialism (aka, primarily pertaining to England's Empire). It also reminds me of an article I read about the late Chadwick Boseman (that is just beyond sad to type and think about) that refers to how Marvel was unsure of having a hero with an African accent in Black Panther and initially thought the hero would have a European accent. Boseman explains, “I said it would not be fine because if we did that, that would be saying that [Wakandans] had been colonized.” Erdrich’s feelings with language reminded me of this because with colonialism, languages and even accents can become a lost part of one’s heritage/culture. With the power of language comes deep values and by the end of Eldrich’s article is the awareness one must have before speaking/ learning Ojibwe by acknowledging spirits.
Comments