"Hipsters Like to Put Things on Their Heads": Links, Links, Links...and More!

• Hipster Wife Hunting did a piece on appropriation of Native culture in fashion. I thought it was satire at first. I was wrong. Though, all my curiosities about the hipster headdress have been cleared up in this sentence: "Hipsters like to put things on their heads". But of course! And here I was giving them credit for trying to make a societal statement or something! 

• Rosetta Stone released a Navajo Language version of their software--I want a Cherokee version next, please?

• Debbie Reese at American Indians in Children's Literature spots a headdress-wearing, war whooping child in Tommy Hilfiger's new campaign. 

• Style Bubble (UK fashion blog) brings up the issue of cultural appropriation in fashion. Interesting comment discussion too. Also: not offended by the dress in question, if you were curious.

• Sociological Images looks at a vintage tobacco ad showing an ethereal (and benevolent) white woman bringing the gift of tobacco to the wild Natives. 

• Jess Yee writes a great post over at Racialicious about the recent apology by the Canadian government to the Inuit for forced relocation. 

• More coverage about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women.

• Charles Trimble proposes a tax on "Wanabee" Indians. "This past week I had the opportunity to attend a social event, and to observe white culture in action. There were 80 people at this event and five of them represented to me that they had a great-great-grandfather who married a Cherokee" (story of my life).

• Great narrative piece about confronting racist costumes (i.e. Native headdresses) over at Theloop21.

• Yurok Tribe receives the largest-ever repatriation of sacred objects (over 200 pieces), from the NMAI in DC. Awesome.

Just some cool stuff to keep you posted on what's been happening around the 'ol internets in the last few weeks. Thanks to everyone who sent me these--sorry I was bad about keeping track this time. But I am very much in appreciation for your tips!

Bonus Round: All the Awesome Tips in My Inbox

(screen shot from the new N.E.R.D. and Nelly Furtado video)

Welcome to a new Friday feature, where I round-up all the awesome tips I get in my inbox, but don't have a chance to write full posts about.

Consider it a work-in-progress (I still need a name for it--ideas? let me know!). If anything in here strikes your fancy, and you'd like me to write more about it, post in the comments. Tips with highest number of "votes" will get a full write up!

Ready? Here we go...

• Actress Erin Cummings has an image of her dressed in a headdress as her Twitter background, and when contacted about it, said the CBS producers liked it and approved it.

• Check out all these really creepy Indian dolls. I mean really creepy.

• The Little Marc Jacobs Store in Manhattan uses a Tipi in its window display

• Taylor Lautner, aka Jacob Black in the Twilight movies, comes to the shocking realization that Natives are just like everyone else! They hang out! They play basketball! Shocking!!

• Holier than Now talks about a new turban/headwrap trend and relates it to hipster headdresses.

• N.E.R.D. and Nelly Furtado's new video "Hot and Fun" has a bazillion headdresses and Native appropriations

• Broadway Bares (an annual fundraiser featuring broadway actors and dancers performing stripteases) featured an "Indian" baring all.

• Cage the Elephant has a new-ish music video featuring a headdress-clad dude for their song "In One Ear", and even an online contest to "win the headdress".

• Band "The Canon Logic" utilizes warpaint and a headdress in their new album art and advertising. 

• Zimbio has an image of Izia (a model)  and fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac at the launch of the new clothing line in Paris, France. Izia is wearing a full warbonnet and feathered dress.

• Shrinky Dinks (yes they're still around) is selling a "Wild West Party Pack"--i.e. Cowboys and Indians. Interestingly, the Indians have a range of skin tones, and are shown doing the "modern" activities, but also are all wearing feathers and doing stereotypical activities as well (peace pipes, tom toms, canoeing, etc)

•  Bossip shares a "Wild West" inspired photo shoot for the release of Playstation 3, which consists of a barely clothed model in a headdress (probs NSFW). What does that have to do with Playstation?

• My friend Katie at Whiskey Tango Foxtrot put together a catch-all post on cultural appropriation in fashion. Great stuff. 

I have more, but I thought this was a good start! Keep the tips coming, and thanks to everyone who contributed.

(Thanks Lici, Peggy, Sarah, Tanis, Liz, Katie, Laurie, Christina, Kannon, Denise, Ben, Mom, Mar, and Lauren)

Roundup time: There's been a lot going on!

Apologies for the lack of posts in the last week or so, I'm taking a statistics class that likes to take over my life every time we have an assignment due. But a lot has happened in the last few days, so I thought I'd do a little round-up!

In the news:

•   University of North Dakota retires "Fighting Sioux" mascot 

 (AK note: yay! I might write more on this later.)

The Fighting Sioux mascot will no longer be the face of the University of North Dakota, but the warrior's visage will still play a prominent role in the school's sports program.
The North Dakota State Board of Education on Thursday ordered the university to drop its Fighting Sioux mascot, prompting student protests on the Grand Forks campus and leaving many there feeling glum.

• Seneca: Obama ‘deliberately betrayed Native Americans’ with PACT Act

“The president of the United States invited Native American leaders to Washington, D.C. in November and looked us in the eye as a sign of good faith in his pledge to protect federal treaties. Now four months later he has betrayed that promise.”

Obama signed the legislation, known as the PACT Act, March 31. The new law bans the U.S. Postal Service from delivering cigarettes and certain other tobacco products – a move that will effectively extinguish the mail order tobacco trade run by the many business owners of the Seneca Nation of Indians and other Indian-owned tobacco businesses around the country.

• Tribes of Amazon Find an Ally Out of ‘Avatar’

Now, Mr. Cameron said, he has been spurred to action, to speak out against the looming environmental destruction endangering indigenous groups around the world — a cause that is fueling his inner rage and inspiring his work on an “Avatar” sequel.
“Any direct experience that I have with indigenous peoples and their plights may feed into the nature of the story I choose to tell,” he said. “In fact, it almost certainly will.” Referring to his Amazon trip, he added, “It just makes me madder.”

 In the media:

• Reel Injun

"Hollywood has made over 4000 films about Native people; over 100 years of movies defining how Indians are seen by the world.Reel Injuntakes an entertaining and insightful look at the Hollywood Indian, exploring the portrayal of North American Natives through the history of cinema."

AK note: I've been meaning to post about this film for awhile, it looks awesome and is getting great reviews. The issues covered in the film are many that I discuss on the blog. It's currently making the rounds in Canada, but will hopefully have some US dates soon! here is the trailer, definitely check it out:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htyEJSEZYNU )

In the blog-o-sphere/world of internets:

Native Appropriations has gotten some shout outs on great blogs/sites, check 'em out! (theres a few more to come this week)

• On The Atlantic Monthly: http://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/04/in-treme-race-and-class-loom-large/38749/

• On Sociological Images: http://contexts.org/socimages/2010/04/05/culturally-appropriating-native-americans-a-hands-on-approach-to-history/

• On Remodel Minority: http://remodelminority.com/2010/03/techno-tribal-tribal-punk-in-fashion/

(Thanks to Stef, Kianga, Ray, Jesse, and anyone else I forgot!)

Indigenous Olympics Link Roundup Part 2

(Image via http://www.ryanmcmahoncomedy.com)

Here are a few more links examining the Indigenous presence in the games!

• Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples & The Vancouver 2010 Olympics – Unprecedented Inclusion?- Ryan McMonohon Comedy

The argument I’ve been hearing is that with the “inclusion” of First Nations in the games marks the NEW start to a world wide relationship with us as Aboriginal Peoples living in Canada.  The term “unprecedented involvement” has been thrown around quite a bit and I wonder what that means exactly?  Are we involved because we danced in the Opening?  Are we involved because there is an Aboriginal pavilion at the games where “the world” can see us perform, sing, dance, rap, etc.?  Are we involved because we had to be because the Games were taking place whether we liked it or not and to be “a part” of it made more sense than not; at least we get to represent ourselves right?

To me, Canada had a chance to REALLY change the way the world sees “US” and how THEY (Canada) sees “US.”  I can’t help but go back to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and how Canada has participated in adopting (actually, NOT adopting) it.  Currently 143 countries have signed it and 4 haven’t.  The countries that haven’t signed are Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia.  Australia has recently signed and New Zealand and the US are currently said to be close to signing. That leaves Canada.  To show TRUE appreciation for it’s Aboriginal Peoples and while on the world stage – could Canada have done more to let people know where they stand?  Should they have?  I mean, we did get to “dance” at the Olympics, but shouldn’t we ask for more?

• Vancouver Olympic Logo: a smiling marker of death?- NPR

Irniq is put off by the Olympic logo because of its human form. Its fat legs and outstretched arms make it look a little like a hockey goalie, and the head has a hint of a smile. Irniq says his people rarely stacked rocks to resemble humans.

"It's a symbol of the fact that someone may have, um, committed suicide or someone may have murdered somebody at that spot," he says.

If people are interested in looking at an example of an inukshuk that's not associated with death, he says, they should look at the flag of Nunavut, which features a more traditional inukshuk.

• Native Artist Alano Edzerza Works with ASICS to Design Netherlands Olympic Team

Alano Edzerza, owner of Vancouver’s Edzerza Gallery and the acclaimed artist who carved the 10-meter native art mural at Vancouver's GM Place (an arena to be used for the Olympics), together with ASICS, has unveiled their ground-breaking collaborative design for the Netherlands Olympic team uniform. 

The designs were unveiled at a fashion show hosted by ASICS at Arnhem’s Olympic Papendal Hotel and Conference Centre (Papendallaan 3, Arnhem, NETHERLANDS). The event was streamed via a feed and is available on demand at www.edzerzagallery.com and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-YYmIlJdrQ

(Thanks Marjorie, Ryan, and Leon!) 

Indigenous Olympics link roundup

As promised, I've tried to pull together some informative links/articles/blog posts about the Indigenization of the winter Olympics. This is by no means exhaustive (not even close!) so if anyone has more, please send them my way!

• An Indigenous Olympics?- Toban Black via Sociological Images

(AK note: this is a fantastic, well researched, well written piece, I wanted to quote the whole thing here! definitely a must read.)

 Some have found the cartoonish Olympic marketing imagery to be a mockery of native traditions.  For example, critics have argued that the 2010 Olympics committee has edited and re-packaged native culture — which also has been ripped out of its traditional contexts. The Committee is highlighting Arctic indigenous imagery — yet Vancouver, the centre of the Games, is a temperate city.  Arctic indigenous peoples did not live there — or on the nearby Whistler and Cypress mountains, where some Olympic events will be held. Other indigenous populations who did live in that area of British Columbia also are not represented in the marketing iconography.

The Olympics branding denies noteworthy differences among native groups spread across these areas. Passing theatrical gestures to native peoples during the open ceremonies could be considered to be more respectful, but Olympics marketers otherwise have been mixing up North American native traditions into a soup-like caricature. Natives have been consistently oppressed, but the various peoples who are considered to be native (in some way, or to some degree) certainly are not ‘all the same.’ Tacking Arctic imagery on to Vancouver-area Games implies that there is only one native essence (in North America, if not beyond this continent).

•  2010 Olympics Token Tribute- Urban Native Girl Stuff

"So when I watched the Olympics opening ceremonies after the original broadcast I did feel proud that Native peoples were being included and celebrated in the production. I also am happy that it is the first time Indigenous people have been recognized by the International Olympic Committe as official host partners in any games.

But I can't help feeling like it's a little token. There is not doubt that Canada doesn't want to share it's long legacy of genocide toward the Native people of this country. This is why many Native people are asking for attention to our issues today, especially our stolen lands. The effects of this colonization are very much alive today. We have so many health, poverty, education, social issues which have many people living in third world conditions right here in Canada, in our backyards."

•  Native Representation Strong at 2010 Olympics- Indian Country Today

During the games, the pavilion, an 8,000-square-foot building, will include entertainment provided by Native performers. There will also be plenty of aboriginal food and merchandise for sale. The pavilion will not be the only place in town with an aboriginal presence. In fact, there is no escaping aboriginal involvement and it will be rather prevalent in almost all aspects. For example, the games’ official logo is named Ilanaaq the Inunnguaq; ilanaaq is the Inuktitut word meaning friend.

Also, the games’ three official mascots – Miga, Quatchi and Sumi – were inspired by traditional First Nations creatures. Miga is a mythical sea bear, Quatchi is a sasquatch, and Sumi is an animal spirit. The athletes who win a medal will take home some hardware based on the designs of artwork of Vancouver-based aboriginal artist Corrine Hunt. And there are scores of other aboriginal designed products that are part of the games’ merchandising program.

•  Olympics Met With Mixed Emotions by First Nations- NPR

To some, this means the Olympics are being held on stolen native land. But Phillip says if the Four Host First Nations want to allow the games on their land, that's their right. Not that he's happy about it. His organization has kept its distance from the Olympics, and he's even refused to take part in the tribute to native culture in Friday night's opening ceremony, which he calls "Disneyesque." "I don't think it's proper for me to stand there and hold hands with government officials and be part of the misrepresentation of the well-being of our people," Phillip says.

• 'Authentic First Nations' 2010 Olympic Souvenirs made in China- NBC Olympics

Canadian aboriginals eager to promote their culture at the upcoming Winter Games on their ancestral lands lamented on Wednesday that some "authentic First Nations" souvenirs were made in China, Italy or Thailand. These include native art and traditional clothes.
Tewanee Joseph, director of the Four Host First Nations, representing area aboriginals, says it is not a problem. "The design was created by authentic First Nations," he told AFP. "The Four Host Nations created the whole aboriginal mark of the Games and we are truly authentic aboriginal people."

There are so many more, but I didn't want it to be too overwhelming. Maybe I'll do a few more roundups throughout the week.

(Thanks Nancy, Sociological Images, Lisa Charleyboy, and anyone else who gave me links!)

Native Link Roundup

 

(image via www.kdvr.com)

• Push for American Indian garb at CSU game draws fire

Students and administrators at Colorado State University will meet today to talk about a Facebook posting that encouraged fans to wear war paint and feathers to a basketball game this Saturday.
CSU sophomore Ben Margolit asked that CSU fans wear the American Indian garb at the men's home basketball game against the Wyoming Cowboys. His posting sparked comments from detractors who thought it was racist and degrading to American Indians.

•  Wayne Newton advocates for Virginia state recognition of Patawomeck tribe

Playing in the General Assembly building -- what had to be one of the smallest venues of his career -- Newton, 67, described hearing stories from his grandfather about his Native American heritage and absorbing his appreciation of the culture. Both of Newton's parents were half Native American: His father was Patawomeck and his mother was Cherokee. Newton also displayed a picture of his grandfather in full-feathered regalia and passed around a heavy green sash that bore what Newton called a peace medal his ancestors received from Gen. George Washington. 

• Senator says she will withdraw Indian mascot law 

A state lawmaker who ignited a firestorm of controversy by introducing a bill that would require public high schools to get permission to use American Indian mascots said she will withdraw the legislation.Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora, told the Denver Post she has achieved her goal of starting a community discussion over whether the mascots are appropriate.

• 'Moses' of the Choctaws led the Indian Tribe to Prosperity  

Hailed over the decades as "The Moses of the Choctaws" and "The Indians' Lee Iacocca," Mr. Martin led his tribe into printing and manufacturing of auto parts and electronics at the Mississippi reservation once called "the worst poverty pocket in the poorest state of the Union."

• No change in American Indian mascot names 

Efforts to change American Indian mascot names at Oregon high schools have stalled, more than two years after a state advisory group suggested a ban on them. All 15 Oregon high schools with team names such as the Warriors, the Braves or the Indians are still using them.

Native Link Roundup

• Russian Ice Dance Tribute to Aborigines Offensive to Aborigines

"They have got the whole thing wrong," said Stephen Page, artistic director of the respected indigenous group, the Bangarra Dance Company. Page said there were no traditional movements in the routine, the music sounded more like it came from India or Africa than Aboriginal Australia and the body paint looked like "a three-year-old child had drawn it on"... "Probably the elders in the bush would be laughing because they would be saying, 'Look how stupid these fellas are,' " he said."

• Sundance Announces Native Film Lineup

"Sundance Institute’s Native American & Indigenous Program is pleased to announce its line up for the Sundance Film Festival’s 2010 Native Forum.The films in this line-up competed on a global scale against 10,000 film submissions to be programmed at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. These films are either written, directed or produced by Native American, Maori, Aboriginal & Inuit filmmakers."

• Professor Pushes for More Native Art on Campus

"The Yale University Art Gallery has Asian, African and even Indo-Pacific departments, but it is largely lacking in collections from closer to home — American Indian art. Now, one professor is trying to change that." (full disclosure: it quotes my sister!)

• Michael Steele's "Honest Injun" Comment Sparks Backlash

"Some consider the word "injun" to be as offensive as the N-word, but apparently Republican National Chairman Michael Steele didn't know that when he tried to underscore a point earlier this week by saying, "Honest injun on that."

• Montrose Indians Mascot Raises Some Objections

"The president of the advisory panel to the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose isn’t too happy with the local high school. Earlier this month, an unnamed student at Montrose High School painted his face black and red, adorned himself in American Indian headdress and whooped and howled at a basketball game."

• "Shall the Pueblos be Civilized?" (via sociological images)

"It’s a great example of how Whites felt entirely comfortable discussing what the future of American Indians should be, either romanticizing them as noble savages or insisting on their cultural backwardness, without any sense that Indians themselves might have any ideas on the issue worth paying attention to."

(Thanks to Kayla, Michele, and Nikke for the tips!)