EcoZoic Detroit

One of the more interesting themes touched upon at the August Evolver Spore was the issue of cultural appropriation. Tony, who recently returned from the Fools Crow Sun Dance, noted how some of the people he knows at Pine Ridge have expressed that they have already had so much taken from them that even the most well-intentioned interest in Lakota traditions by non-Indians can sometimes be perceived as further robbery. Judy, a Lakota woman herself, pointed out that her ancestral traditions are not "shamanism," while it was clear that many of the various native ceremonies and traditions discussed within the group were being categorized in such a way. And yet, in the midst of some minor tensions, generalizations, and misunderstandings, we all came together and learned more about one another, and looked for ways we could work respectfully work together to make our shared community a better place.

Alan recently discovered and shared an article with me that discusses some of these themes. As a folklorist, the issue of appropriation is endlessly fascinates me. Any thoughts?