Connections: Comprehending the real truth about American and Indigenous American background

Late past thirty day period, former senator Rick Santorum made feedback at a Younger America’s Foundation conference that sparked backlash. In the course of the “Standing Up for Faith and Freedom” party, Santorum argued that America was settled by people “who have been coming to observe their faith,” and that “there was absolutely nothing right here.” He then said, “Of course, we have Indigenous Americans, but candidly there is not a great deal Native American culture in American tradition.” The backlash came rapidly, with individuals turning to Twitter to argue that the U.S. Constitution was modeled right after that of the Iroquois League. But, as described by SUNY Geneseo historical past professor Michael Oberg, that’s not accurate.

In a piece for the Washington Post, Oberg writes that the two Santorum and his critics whitewashed American background and ignored the violence People in america perpetrated in opposition to Indigenous men and women. This hour, we talk about this historical past, what is misunderstood or whitewashed, and how to better educate these lessons. Our attendees:

  • Michael Leroy Oberg, distinguished professor of record at the Condition University of New York, Higher education at Geneseo
  • Peter Jemison, historic internet site manager for Ganondogan
  • Gabriele Papa, member of the Seneca Nation of Indians
  • Michael Galban, Mono Lake Paiute/Washoe, curator and interpretive applications assistant at the Seneca Art & Society Center at Ganondagan