#4 - Metaphors and Circles? What Do Indians Really Think! - Guest: Dr. Salena Hill

Send us a textIn this episode, the IRC team discusses the assumption that Indigenous thought is circular and metaphorical. The Salish Syulm, an observance by the woman of the brave deed of their male relatives, serves as a platform to discuss the misuse/use of metaphors and circularity in an Indigenous worldview. The Syulm served as a mode of recognition of brave deed as it is important to refrain from bragging or highlighting your own accomplishments. It was the privilege of family members to recognize these during the Syulm. This also allowed a singular opportunity to narrate your deeds in front of your peers. The Syulm has been described metaphorically as a "scalp dance", as the woman will dance with the articles their male relatives wore in battle or took from a battle; often this was a scalp of the enemy. The metaphor of the taking of scalps as a main component of the dance fails to illustrate the complex value system that is demonstrated. Instead, the metaphor emphasizes one minor part of the Syulm. In this same way, the "circle" has been touted as a primary component of Indigenous life when in reality it may be simply a description of the cyclical pattern of life and not an all-encompassing symbolic representation of reality. The IRC team discusses the implication of Indigenous scholar's responsibility to combat some of these misrepresentations and more.Agree? Disagree? Join the conversation at one of our social media sites. Your input is valuable to advance our understanding.Hosted by Aaron Brien, Kamiah Dumontier, Salena Hill, Serra Hoagland, Marty Lopez, Brenda Shepard, Shandin PeteSupport the show

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