Questions about Native Americans? Event provides answers

Questions about Native Americans? Event provides answers

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SALT LAKE CITY — A group of Native American students is trying to break down stereotypes they say they face every day. So they’ve set up a series of lectures and discussions to talk about how they really are.

The Hollywood representation of Native Americans can sometimes be a far cry from accurate. Despite that, it just won’t go away, said Samantha Eldridge, co-chairwoman of Indigenous Students and Allies for Change at the University of Utah.

“A lot of times, [people] make assumptions based on something they read or something they might have seen on TV,” she said.

The group sponsors new lectures roughly once a quarter at the college. Eldridge said the discussions are designed to be a place where people can ask real Native Americans about their history. The latest lecture is scheduled for noon Tuesday in the Union Saltair Room.

“It really is to start a dialogue and create a safe environment for people to ask those questions that they may feel uncomfortable about asking,” Eldridge said.

She regularly gets asked questions like, “Are Native Americans exempt from paying taxes?” “Are most of you alcoholic?” and, “Why don’t you have a Native American name?”

Next lecture
  • Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014
  • Noon
  • University of Utah
    Union Saltair Room

“It’s something we face on a constant basis. It’s part of our curriculum. A lot of our stories and our history are not included in [history] books,” she said.

She also said many people lump all tribes into one group. She is frequently asked about living in teepees, when her tribe, the Navajos, didn’t typically use them.

“There are over 566 federally recognized tribes and we all have different languages, cultures and traditions,” she explained.

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