Interview · North Dakota · Debbe Poitra · NDNAEU 6
Themes: Land & stewardship, Values & generosity, Culture & continuity, Racism & representation, Arts & expression
Learn About questions
What are some examples of Native contributions to farming?
What are some examples of Native contributions to medicine?
What are some examples of Native contributions to music and art?
How have Native people helped non-Native people to learn about respect for the land and water? Specifically in the oil industry?
What happens when we continue to take and take and don’t give back to the earth?
Learn From questions
What do I know about contributions from people from my own culture or background?
How do I connect differently to professionals or accomplished people who are from my own culture or background than those who are from different backgrounds than me?
How do I feel about caring for the earth? Is it a priority for me? Why or why not?
Have I taken specific actions to care for and show respect to the earth?
Transcripts
Debbe_poitra_NDNAEU_6.mp4
Watch this interview on YouTubeI think that there is a lot of misconception as to what we actually contribute as Native Americans I think that a lot of people doubt the fact that we have ever done anything to contribute to society but when you take a look back and you do look at you know the farming and how we were there to provide the means for the pilgrims the very early settlers to be able to survive when you take a look at the medicines some of the medicines that are being used nowadays they’re going back to the Native American medicines that were used centuries ago and you know you take a look at the music and you take a look at the art and that all plays a big part in to the formation of America and how it has evolved over the years and so I think my belief is that Native Americans have made a great contribution to this country and it’s not just in one area but it’s in every aspect you know you mentioned the music you mentioned the art you mentioned the medicine you know the farming there are so many things and when you take a look at going back to the fact that you know we need to respect our land or water and with that if we don’t if we don’t start respecting it then what’s what’s going to be here in a few years and so Native Americans have always had a great respect for mother earth and everything that she provides knowing that when we take we have to give back and so many things you know even with the oil industry that has moved into our state they’re taking and taking but what are they giving back we take a look at the pipeline that’s going underneath our waterways and how can they guarantee that those types will never burst and never ruin that water that’s there to provide you know the supply for fish and for you know people and everything else that feeds off of it drinks from it and those are the types of things that you know we really need to take a look at and I know that some people don’t look at it that way because they think that it’s all about the monetary gain but what’s to gain if we lose our water and people can’t drink anymore
Resource text
NDNAEU Alignment:
Source materials
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