Native Lands- Michael Godwin

 


                This week's readings and discussion on Native lands was very interesting and important to me. I            have been interested in Native American culture, history, and lifestyle and I have taken a couple                classes during my time at UCR, so this discussion we had in class was very intriguing. I thought                that having the author of the reading himself in class for the discussion was also very beneficial                   since he was able to clarify certain parts of the reading as well as tell his impressive and relevant                 stories and experiences. I thought that professor Trafzer made a great point when he discussed                    how many historians are unwilling to actually get to know the people and communities that they             are studying, especially when it comes to Native Americans. I also thought the discussion about                 tribal knowledge and responsibility was important and that Native tribes and their own EPA should             be able to make decisions for themselves about environmental issues that they are faced with in                  order to prevent further white encroachment and interruption. Another part of the discussion that I              thought was thought-provoking was when professor Trafzer mentioned how even though it may                seem like tribal casinos are beneficial for Native tribes, in some cases they actually interfere with               tribal culture and spiritual cites. This is something that I never stopped and considered since it                   always seems like Indian casinos are very positive for Native tribes. 

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