“To Remain an Indian” Revisited: Discussions on the Significance and Theory of Indigenous Educational Sovereignty in the 21st Century

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This session examines the influence and ongoing relevance of "To Remain an Indian,": Lessons in Democracy from a Century of Native American Education a groundbreaking text on Indigenous education that will receive a revised and expanded edition in 2025. A panel featuring the authors alongside scholars and activists, will delve into the book's enduring impact on the field. Discussions will center on the tension between settler colonialism and Indigenous sovereignty, the resurgence of Indigenous language and culture, and the ongoing fight for educational self-determination. Participants will share personal reflections on the book's influence and collectively envision the future of Indigenous education in the U.S.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

Chair

• Khalil Anthony Johnson, Wesleyan University

Papers

• “What is Education?” How 'To Remain an Indian' Reframes Educational Paradigms - Bayley J. Marquez, University of Maryland

• The Safety Zone and Zones of Sovereignty Theories: To Know Thyself is the Beginning - Cynthia Benally, University of Utah

• Safety Zone Theory to Zones of Sovereignty: Teaching, Learning and Researching with ‘To Remain an Indian’ - Rachel Talbert, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Safety Zones and Zones of Sovereignty in K-12 Indigenous Education - Leilani Sabzalian, University of Oregon

Discussants

• K. Tsianina Lomawaima, Arizona State University

• Teresa L. McCarty, University of California - Los Angeles