Native American artists, filmmakers, scholars
to discuss culture, politics, and law

EUGENE — (Jan. 31, 2006) — Internationally known artists and scholars will discuss the intersections of law, literature, art, politics, sovereignty and cinema at a free conference at the University of Oregon on Friday, Feb. 17.

The conference, Intersections of Native American Culture, Politics, and Law, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Knight Law Center, 1515 Agate St. The Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics is sponsoring the event.

"This conference addresses some of the most pressing issues in contemporary Native American studies, including the ways in which federal Indian law shapes the histories and experiences of Native communities," said Shari Huhndorf, conference organizer and an associate professor of English. "It also will address how these communities use treaties and legal discourse in the struggle for self-determination, and how Native peoples use film and literature to reveal and contest colonial social dynamics."

The conference also will explore the roles of literature and film in nation building and sovereignty, among other interrelated issues. Conference participants include Alanis Obomsawin, one of Canada's most distinguished documentary filmmakers; John Borrows, Canada's leading indigenous law scholar; Marcus Amerman, formerly of Oregon, whose exquisite beadwork is inspired by popular culture; and, Cheryl Suzack, assistant professor of English at the University of Victoria.

 

 

Link: Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics: http://www.waynemorsecenter.uoregon.edu/pastthemes_2005-07.html