The Daily Bulletin Archive

The authors and editors of a newly published book that examines the intersection of tribal America, government, and the media will sign copies of the book today at 12:15 p.m. in the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore, and at 7:00 p.m. at Talking Leaves Books, 3158 Main Street, Buffalo.

Written and edited by Kara Briggs, an award-winning journalist and writer; Ron Smith, professor and chair of the Communication Department; and José Barreiro, author, scholar, and activist, Shoot the Indian: Media, Misperception and Native Truth is a provocative collection of important speeches, original research, and news reports. Illustrated by Navajo artist Frank Salcido and prefaced by former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the book was published under the auspices of Buffalo State College’s American Indian Policy and Media Initiative.

Shoot the Indian examines a number of significant issues of national and historic import, as well as those especially germane to Western New York. A speech by Senator Daniel K. Inouye to the Tribal Leaders Forum of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians in San Diego on January 8 speaks to the ongoing issues of Native sovereignty and stimulating economic growth. A chapter by Michael Niman, associate professor of communication, looks at the local anti-gaming movement directed solely against Native gaming.

The book includes the final speech by the late John C. Mohawk, noted Haudenosaunee scholar, author, and professor in the Center for the Americas at the University at Buffalo, “Reclaiming Traditional Knowledge for Our Futures,” delivered at the 2006 conference in Washington, D.C., “Hear Our Story: Communications and Contemporary Native Americans.” Mohawk died as the book was being prepared for publication.

The American Indian Policy and Media Initiative, sponsored by the Communication Department, provides an independent, academic venue to address the intersection of the journalistic practices of mainstream media and their representation of American Indians, as well as a range of public policy issues affecting American Indians, such as taxation, sovereignty, government jurisdiction, gaming, repatriation, archaeology, and cultural policy.

Activities of the initiative include:

• Public forums, lectures, conferences, and presentations on topics focusing on mainstream media and public policy issues related to American Indians.
• Media analysis projects focusing on research and examination of topics similar to those associated with the public forums.
• Media planning seminars to help tribal leadership and other Indian entities develop comprehensive strategic communication programs.
• An educational component that involves students and faculty in research, planning, and training activities.

The initiative also stands as a practical implementation of the commitment of both the Communication Department and Buffalo State to diversity, community involvement, and professional service.