Monday, June 5, 2017 – Dismantling insensitive art
The Minneapolis Dakota community successfully negotiated the removal of a controversial sculpture at the Walker Art Center. Activists and community members protested artist Sam Durant’s piece “Scaffold” which is fashioned after several historical hanging gallows. The artist said it’s partly based on the structure used to hang 38 Dakota men in Mankato Minnesota in 1862. The Minneapolis Native community said it diminished the history of the Dakota 38. Now the structure will be dismantled and burned.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 – Hollywood whitewashes a Native Hawaiian film
Producers for the movie version of the “Ni’ihau Incident” are casting white actors to play people of color. Actor Zack McGowan will play Native Hawaiian Benehakaka “Ben” Kanahele, who was a key figure in the World War II event. It’s a true account of a Japanese pilot who crashed on a Hawaiian island. The choice of McGowan in the lead prompts the recurring question of why the role wasn’t offered to a Native Hawaiian.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 — When love turns into enabling
What feels like support for someone in the grip of addiction could actually make things worse. Family and friends naturally want to help someone whose life dissolves into homelessness, crime or other dangerous conditions that can accompany addiction. That help can cross the line into enabling.
Thursday, June 8, 2017 —Auction house ignores pleas to stop damaging sale
The Hopi Tribe and others find themselves in the position—again—of trying to stop a damaging sale of items by a French auction house. The EVE auction house is holding its sixth auction of Native American objects later this month, selling items from several tribes. Many of the items are considered sacred. A bill to curb some sales died in Congress. Sponsors of the STOP Act (Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony) say they plan to bring it back, but it still lacks power to stop international sales like the upcoming auction.
Friday, June 9, 2017 – Native in the Spotlight: Kristina Bad Hand
Entrepreneur and comic artist Kristina Bad Hand (Sičháŋǧu Lakota/Cherokee) explores the intersections between pop culture and Native life. She creates bold, striking and sometimes brash images. From making Lakota playing cards to re-envisioning Beauty and the Beast, she has a talent for putting her own cultural flair to familiar subjects. We’ll chat with her about her art, working with Native youth, and the challenges of starting a business.
