Oklahoma City University hosted a special guest lecturer, Dina Gilio-Whitaker, to discuss her book, As Long As Grass Grows. Gilio-Whitaker is an American academic, journalist, and author who writes about the experiences of Indigenous history, culture, and people.
A central topic of the event was her book As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice, from Colonization to Standing Rock.
Her book is about Native peoples’ opposition to environmental injustice. Gilio-Whitaker spoke with students and engaged in meaningful conversations about her experiences and Indigenous culture.
Gilio-Whitaker lectured on Sept. 17 at 1:00 pm at Sarkey’s Science and Math Building and 7:00 pm in the Petree Recital Hall.
Additionally, while sharing personal stories about her family and tribe, she also strongly criticized the failures of America’s policies involving Indigenous culture.
It was a productive conversation for the students who aimed to make a difference. Dina summarized the event’s discussion, “Capitalism is the biggest threat to tribal land.”
For centuries, the capitalist economic system in the United States of America has exploited many tribal nations’ traditional land.
This exploitation has inspired significant backlash in the Indigenous community and a struggle to save their culture and future.
Gilio-Whitaker highlighted the resilience and deep connections of Indigenous communities during both lectures.
Students left the event with a stronger understanding of the cultural and environmental stakes at hand and were inspired to advocate for a more just future.
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