Jerilyn DeCoteau and Rick Williams
Recorded
November 13, 2023
Archived
November 13, 2023
38:28 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddb002666
Description
Colleagues and friends, Jerilyn DeCoteau (74) and Rick Williams [no age given], discuss the term "indigenous" and its implications regarding identity and tribal sovereignty. Both also speak about the benefits and services meant for individuals who are members of sovereign Native Tribes. Rick Williams is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and is part Cheyenne. Jerilyn DeCoteau is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota.Subject Log / Time Code
Rick (R) and Jerilyn (J) begin their discussion of the term "indigenous" and its myriad of definitions. Both converse about understanding themselves as being members of a political body— not self categorizing as an ethnic group or race.
J and R speak about the 2020 Census, and how it reported an increase in self identified indigenous people.
J describes the current resolutions in the National Congress of American Indians. She goes on to talk about the categorizations of individuals and groups claiming an indigenous identity.
J explains the ways in which the United States government misunderstands Indian Law— and the damages of potential uses/mislabeling with the term indigenous.
R speaks about how he calls himself an American Indian. He discusses his distaste of being labelled as indigenous. This leads to a larger dialogue about legal identities and treaties.
J describes the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
J and R speak about those who identify as Native when they are not enrolled in a tribe. J and R explain why they find that this practice undercuts the work done to provide aid for individuals enrolled in recognized tribes.
J and R unpack why someone would claim a Native identity without a personal tribal connection.
J speaks about the need to protect tribal sovereignty.
J and R describe what a good ally to their causes would look like.
Participants
- Jerilyn DeCoteau
- Rick Williams