The CU and UW American Indian Studies departments will join today when they reach out to teach students about American Indian culture. 

At 2 p.m. today in the East Yellowstone Ballroom, CU Professor Charles Wilkinson will give a free lecture. Wilkinson is a former attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, author of thirteen books and a professor of law at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

“Charles Wilkinson represents the best of the academic tradition. He is a masterful scholar who has committed himself to the cause of social justice and those in need. If students would like to interact with a professor who, in every way, is an example of best practices, they have that opportunity,” Cheryll Jensen of the American Indian studies department said.

“Wilkinson’s lecture is titled 'Reflections on Writing a Tribal History: The Making of 'The People Are Dancing Again - The History of the Siletz Tribe of Western Oregon," and draws on his experiences writing his most recent book,” Jensen said. 

“Charles Wilkinson is one of the nation’s most respected experts in tribal law and history,” Jensen said. Thursday’s afternoon's lecture will center on his research and experiences related to his latest book.

Wilkinson’s research was done for his most recent book: "The People Are Dancing Again:  The History of the Siletz Tribe of Western Oregon."

One of Wilkinson’s most well-known books, "Blood Struggle" gives an in-depth look at the fight for tribal sovereignty. After the lecture there will be a reception and book signing. 

Copies of Wilkinson’s new book will be available for purchase, and proceeds benefit the Siletz Tribe.

"The People Are Dancing Again" is the story of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, made up of 27 tribes speaking 10 languages. In the mid-1950s, they had been “terminated” under the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act.  

The Siletz people lost their tribal status along with their lands and federal health and education benefits.  

But the Siletz people did not give up. 

After fighting the termination for over 20 years they finally had their federal status restored.  “The People Are Dancing Again" is the story of the Siletz people’s struggle told with their own voices.  

Their story is a testament to their resilient spirit, and in many ways their story is the story of federal Indian policy and of tribes across the U.S,” Jensen said.

The American Indian Studies Program, College of Law and Legal Aid of Wyoming Inc. are hosting Wilkinson. 

Lauren Kottenstette

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American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott will perform in Laramie for the Albany County Library Foundation.

Thanks to the work of three community members, Ron and Susan Mavrich, owners of Caterings of Laramie, and Gary Negich, the president of First Interstate Bank, Scott will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday in the College of Education Auditorium.