Defining Indigeneity: The Problem with Buffy Sainte-Marie
An insightful video post from Anton Treuer, a well-respected citizen of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and a Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. His equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.
His analysis here paints a picture of complexity and thoughtfulness as we consider the various lenses through which people try to determine Indigeneity: political, biological, linguistic, cultural, and social. And on that journey, he suggests that we navigate these tough topics with accountability, honesty, and kindness. He also carefully and humanely considers the recent exchange about the well-known musician Buffy Saint-Marie. This is one of the best explications I have encountered, anywhere.