Images of "Indians:"
Native American Representation and Self-Representation
“Images of ‘Indians:’ Native American Representation and Self-.Representation,” a two-part series examining
representation of and self-representation by Native Americans in education and popular culture that involves artists and
humanities scholars in exploring issues of individual and collective identity from a Native American perspective will be
held in Oneida, Wisconsin, June 22nd and 24th, 2010.
“Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian”
June 22, 2010, 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Bear Room, Oneida Radisson Hotel
(Panel discussion to follow)
On June 22nd, there will be a screening of the documentary film, "Reel Injun: On the Trail of the Hollywood Indian."
“Reel Injun,” a film by Canadian Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond, takes an entertaining and insightful look at the
Hollywood Indian and explores the portrayal of North American Natives through a century of cinema. Travelling
through the heartland of America, Diamond looks at how the myth of “the Injun” has influenced the world’s
understanding – and misunderstanding – of Natives. With clips from hundreds of classic and recent films, and candid
interviews with celebrated Native and non-Native directors, writers, actors, and activists, including Clint Eastwood,
Robbie Robertson, Sacheen Littlefeather, John Trudell, and Russell Means, Reel Injun traces the evolution of cinema’s
depiction of Native people from the silent film era to today, only to find the future of Native cinema in the unlikeliest of
places – Canada’s North.
“Kick,” starring DeLanna Studi
June 24, 2010, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Mohawk Room, Oneida Radisson Hotel
One June 24th, there will be a performance of “Kick,” a one-woman show exploring the power of images, stereotypes,
and Native American Mascots, which stars award-winning actress DeLanna Studi (Cherokee). “Kick” explores racial
stereotyping and the American Indian mascot issue through the eyes of Grace Greene, one of the few Native American
students at Newman High School. When Grace decides to take a stand against her school's "brave" mascot, she learns
that sometimes sports are far more than just fun and games. “Kick” tells the story of a week in the life of Grace Greene.
It's a big week—Homecoming Week—when tradition and school spirit become fighting words. An incident of vandalism
to her school's beloved logo—the Newman Brave—begins a chain of events that change Grace, her family and her
community. “Kick” is one of the “Compassion Plays” written by playwright Peter Howard and operated by Los Angelesbased ENCOMPASS, an organization whose mission is to “spark compassion, personal responsibility and an appreciation
of differences among California teenagers.”
These events are made possible in part through a grant from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the
National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional support has been provided by the Oneida Nation Arts Program, the
Wisconsin Indian Education Association “Indian” Mascot/Logo Task Force, Bob and Barbara Munson, Changing Winds,
Inc., the Wisconsin State Human Relations Association, the Center for First Nations Studies and Education, UW-Green
Bay, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations
expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or other
sponsors.