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2016 International Conference of Indigenous

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Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Phoenix, AZ October 9-12, 2016

Developing a Culturally Appropriate Children's Literature Collection

Wednesday, October 12th, 2:00PM-3:15PM

Bird Runner Rm. Program #602

This forum addresses issues of representation, stereotypes, and authenticity in American

Indian children's literature. Participants are invited to share their voice in what they would 

say to educators, librarians, etc., in advancing the understanding of these issues that many

 times are invisible to non-Native readers.

Key questions to address:

• Does the literature in your classrooms, school library, public library, or book stores adequately represent the ethnic/socio- cultural communities of our children?

• Does this even matter?

• If it matters and if there is inadequate representation, what can be done to change that?

This session is intended to create space for meaningful conversations for participants.

         Reflections:

•  “These conversations make some uncomfortable and some comfortable who have been made uncomfortable by the staus quo” (Michael Thompson).

• "People have to admit that there is a problem before they can attempt to fix it, and each Diversity Gap study strengthens our argument that a diversity gap still exists. We hope our infographics that illuminate the diversity gap in many areas of society will encourage people to have honest dialogues about the issues." (Lee & Low's Infographic Series: The Diversity Gap)

• "What binds us together is our concern for children. We believe Native children should have books that do not demean or embarrass them or their heritage, but neither should they put them on a pedestal or in a glass case. Like other children, Native children should be able to choose books with characters from their communities that make sense to them, books that reflect who they are with integrity and sensitivity. Children who are not Native should be able to choose titles about Native Americans-be they set in historical or modern times-that are free of outdated, stereotypical notions and free of factual errors." (Reese, 1999)

• Nearly a dozen Native American actors and a cultural adviser walked off the set of an Adam Sandler movie that's currently filming because of depictions they found insulting, according to a report by Indian Country Today Media Network. Nearly a dozen Native American actors and a cultural adviser walked off the set of an Adam Sandler movie that’s currently filming because of depictions they found insulting, according to a report by Indian Country Today Media Network. Actor Loren Anthony said the script, penned by Sandler and his longtime screenwriting partner Tim Herlihy, was insulting to Native women and elders and inaccurately portrayed Apache culture. He said the actors, who were supposed to be playing Apache men and women, were made up to resemble Comanches. Anthony and David Hill were among the actors who walked off the set Wednesday. (McDonald, 2015, para 1-2)

• Debbie Reese (2012) distinguishes between sovereignty status of Native Americans and "people of color" quoting words of American Indian Studies journal Wicazo Sa founding editor Elizabeth Cook Lynn:  Native populations in America are not "ethnic" populations; they are not "minority" populations, neither immigrant nor tourist, nor "people of color." They are the indigenous peoples of this continent. They are landlords, with very special political and cultural status in the realm of American identity and citizenship. Since 1924, they have possessed dual citizenship, tribal and U.S., and are the only population that has not been required to deny their previous national citizenship in order to possess U.S. citizenship. They are known and documented as citizens by their tribal nations.

A booklist of 100 American Indian children's, poetry, young adult  literature, compiled by panelists, are provided.

            Panelists:

  Jeannie Whitehorse, Outreach Librarian, New Mexico State Library Tribal Libraries Program

  Michael Thompson, Program Coordinator, San Juan College Alternative Licensure Program & Co-Director Bisti Writing Project (National Writing Project affiliate)

  Frances Vitali, Faculty Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy, University of New Mexico-San Juan Site