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PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
Sept. 30, 2005
UNM SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES RACE RELATIONS
Scholars are producing work that will change the way the world views cross-cultural relationships between natives, blacks, and whites.
“Crossings of Breath: Indigenous & Black Relations in North America,” a symposium designed to explore this emerging scholarship and create a dialogue about the politics of identity and Indian sovereignty , will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building, Lobo rooms A and B.
Blacks and Indians were enslaved together throughout the 18th century, often intermarrying. During the 19th century, some Native Americans protected runaway black slaves, while others owned slaves. More recently, the two have fought separate battles against environmental racism, poverty and lack of access to national representation. A growing number of black Native Americans seek information about their joint heritage.
A panel discussion will feature presenters of Native American /African American descent. The symposium includes an overview of native and black relationships beginning with European settlement of North America leading to current issues.
Evening events include a dinner and keynote address by Tiya Miles, assistant professor of American culture at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Navajo/African American artist Radmilla Cody will perform traditional Navajo songs.
The symposium is free and open to the public; however, reservations are required for the evening portion, held at the UNM Hibben Center.
Contact Native American Studies at 277-3917 or nasinfo@unm.edu .
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