Uncompromising or Uncompromised? A Look at the Intellectual Conversations of an Indigenous Mind Dr. Joseph Brewer (Oglala/Cherokee) November 2, 2010 @ 6:00pm, Whitewater Room-Commons

The exploration of conflict often times resonates in the tangible differences between two or more parties of people representing a core philosophical ideology. Indigenous peoples of the United States are often subject to the role of compromise, which tends to, at times put the Indigenous person at odds with their community values, beliefs, and morals. Whether the comprise is identified within a conflicting land ethic, language barrier, educational setting, historical context, or disregard for Indigenous models of citizenry. To frame what is being given up by the Indigenous people who compromise can be a lesson or moral code, which can benefit not only Indigenous people but the very systems that consciously of unconsciously demand compromise.

American Indian Health Professions and Health Research: The Issue of Trust and Building the Pipeline for American Indian Students

Darryl Monteau, MS (Kiowa)

November 11, 2010 @ 12:00pm, Horizon Room-Commons

American Indians continue to have the lowest number of students going into health professions and health research. In addition, current health studies report American Indian people suffer from high rates of diseases compared to other ethnic minority populations in the U.S. This presentation focuses on the intersection of three issues: the reasons for American Indian health disparities and the impact that can be made in addressing these disparities, the relationships of trust among Native communities and health professionals and researchers, and the need for more American Indian students choosing health careers.

Identity Politics Tana Atchley, MA (Modoc/Paiute/Karuk) November 16, 2010 @ 6pm, Whitewater Room-Commons

This presentation will cover the politics that are involved with identifying oneself as a Native American. The presenter will cover what this means at a Federal, Tribal, and personal level. The importance of finding a connection to one's Tribal community, blood quantum, and who decides who is Native will be discussed.