Wisdom of the Elders
Series 3:
304 – Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation
 Historical Introduction
o Smohall said “Men who work… in dreams.” Explore this concept. What does
it mean for you? What might it have meant to Smohalla or any Native
American in the 1800s? Today?
 Elder Wisdom – Russell Jim
o Why does RJ place so much emphasis on the continuation of tribal languages,
cultures, and lifestyles?
 “Without my past, I have no future.”
o After learning about the Yakama’s relationship to animals, why does the
Hanford site pose such a significant threat to not only their health and safety,
but also their culture and way of life?
 Sacred Landscape – Hanford Reach
o Why does is matter to the Yakama that the Hanford Reach is the last free
flowing stretch of the Columbia River in the US?
o Explain how the Dalles Dam drastically altered the Wishram’s traditional
way of life.
o In what ways has the Hanford site affected the Columbia River and the
Yakama? Consider long term from the government’s initial acquisition of
land in 1943 to today.
 Health and Healing – DM Epidemic
o Do you accept their theory of why indigenous peoples are more predisposed
to DM? Why or why not.
o What are some other possible explanations?
o Can you think of any other communities that suffer from similarly high rates
of DM?
 Example - Mexicans living in the US
 Turtle Island Storyteller
o Why do you think it is important for indigenous peoples, like the Yakama, to
retain their culture and heritage?
o What did Russell Jim have to say about this? (look back to 304 Elder
Wisdom)
305 – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indians
 Sacred Landscape – Spirit of the Salmon
o What is the significance of the Columbia Basin tribe’s involvement in
protecting and restoring salmon populations?
 These communities are sources of power and knowledge that have
something to offer. Not just victims.
 Health and Healing – DM
o Why is a “talking circle” a great opportunity for Native American diabetics?
 Helps form a community and support network as well as informal
knowledge exchange outside of the healthcare or health profession
environment.
306 – Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indians
 Health and Healing – DM
o How are different tribes attempting to help members with DM?
o Faye attributes her DM to a progressively unhealthy lifestyle. What does the
trend also represent?
 A marked loss and destruction of culture and lifestyle.
 Sacred Landscape
o Explain how protecting these berries is an important way for modern tribe
members to connect with their traditional culture and heritage?
o Can you think of other resources of similar importance?
Overall
 Identify some of the common themes between each program (hint think section headings within the programs). Why might Wisdom of the
Elders present, highlight, and focus on these specific themes?
 Can you identify other themes that are not so obvious?
 What is the point of this radio station? What are they trying to
accomplish? Does it make sense?
 How does a radio series/archive coincide with the Native American’s
concepts and beliefs of language and tradition?
 What work does Wisdom of the Elders do?
 Take a look at Series Two and compare it with Series Three. Why do
you think they frame both series in relationship to the Lewis and Clark
expedition? Do you have a problem with this? What does this say about
the availability of tribal histories?
Extra Credit
105 – The Horse in Native Culture

Health and Healing
o Option #1: Describe an experience you’ve had where an animal played an
important role in your life, health, or wellbeing. This can be a specific
instance or situation or as broad as growing up with an animal in the house
and its impact, but be detailed. 1-2 pages
o Option #2: Research a program similar to the ones described in the radio
program. Explain the work that they do, why it is important, and what your
thoughts are. Try to find one that focuses on the role that animals play either
in terms of cultural significance and importance or in health and healing (i.e.
at risk youths). 1-2 pages
Maybe have a project on a comparative analysis between tribes from Series 3
and a tribe from Series 1? Do different native peoples from different
geographic locations face similar issues today??? Thoughts?
Included 303 and 307 (especially 307 – Sacred Landscape??)