Date of Award
1-1-2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Specialization
Communication and Leadership
School or Department
School of Leadership Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Pavel Shlossberg
Abstract
Indigenous people of the United States have historically been and continue to be objectified and misrepresented in art, history, science, literature, and mass media. This continued colonization contributes to loss of respect for culture, identity crisis among indigenous youth, health disparities of epidemic proportions, poor performance in education, substance abuse, violence and poverty. This qualitative study expands upon existing scholarship in media anthropology (Dilworth, 1996; Ginsberg, 1991 & 2008; and Prins, 2002) and indigenous studies (Rader, 2011; Singer, 2001; and Tuhiwai Smith, 2012) by analyzing the indigenous voice expressed through media practice, storytelling as a tool for empowering indigenous identity and creating solidarity. Teachings of the Tree People: The Work of Bruce Miller and Honor The Treaties are analyzed through Critical Discourse Analysis—Historical Approach to examine how these films address power imbalances, inequities, and encourage action capable of producing social justice. The study does not examine ways the dominant discourse oppresses but rather how the indigenous voice empowers. Themes that emerge are storytelling as self-determination, creating as resistance and survival, alternative collaborations to transform the gaze, dialogic/equal communication/partnerships, and recuperating and projecting traditions in film. What comes forth in the study is that producers and actors in indigenous media see this media as an important vehicle for the expression of indigenous voice, which might engage, challenge and transform oppressive structures and cultures. This challenges the debate about access, infrastructure, and technical skill which positions power outside of indigenous people and in external structures. Alternative media collaborations examined in this study reveal that it is possible to transform the gaze and allow the indigenous voice to emerge and be heard.
Recommended Citation
Hafer Cole, Heather A., "Indigenous Engagement And Resistance In The 21St Century: Empowering Indigenous Identity With Indigenous Film" (2014). Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses. 266.
https://repository.gonzaga.edu/comlead_etds/266
Included in
Communication Commons, Leadership Studies Commons, Native American Studies Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
Comments
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