A panel of Indigenous women and femmes from throughout the Midwest will talk about their leadership roles and work in the community as well as the challenges of Indigeneity in colonized society. The goal of this program is to address stereotypes of Native femininity and these connections to the international epidemic of MMIW (missing and murdered Indigenous women). Registration is not required, but sign up here for an email reminder if you like.
*EDIT: In January 2023 we learned that one of the panelists for this event (Kay Le Claire / Kathryn Le Claire / “nibiiwakamigkwe”) misrepresented themselves as indigenous. They deceived many in our community and caused significant harm. You can read more about what happened here.
Le Claire's act of cultural theft in no way diminishes the contributions of the other panelists, Shelley Buffalo and Matilde Cachiguango Muenala. Nor should it detract from the important topics discussed at the event such as the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
We sincerely apologize for giving this person a platform to do more harm. The organization who coordinated this panel, Mosaicos, donated the honorarium Le Claire would have received to Yowela Farms, a Native-owned sustainable farm in Stoughton. We know it does not erase the harm, but we hope that this contribution will in a small way make reparations for the hurt this incident has caused to Native individuals and communities.
This event is part of the #RippleProject, a year-long series of free humanities programs focused on equity in Dane County public libraries. Learn more at www.beyondthepage.info/ripple-project
