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Archive for Wednesday, September 13, 2000

KU, Haskell play host to ‘Red Power’

September 13, 2000

Seven key figures in the American Indian civil rights movement will gather Thursday at Kansas University for the start of a 2 1/2-day conference, "Red Power and Tribal Politics," that's likely to make history.

"Usually, when you put on a conference like this, you would be fortunate to get one or two people of this caliber," said Donald Fixico, director of the KU's Indigenous Nations Studies program. "For us to get seven is nothing short of a miracle."

The Indigenous Nations Studies program at KU is sponsoring the "Red Power" conference Thursday through Saturday in Lawrence. Don Fixico, pictured in his office where he heads KU's Indigenous Nations Studies program, commissioned a painting for the conference poster, shown in foreground, by Lawrence artist Wayne Wildcat.

The seven are:

Dennis Banks and Clyde Bellecourt, co-founders of the American Indian Movement.

Ramona Bennett, foun-der of the Survival of American Indians Assn., a group that fought for tribal fishing rights in Washington.

Ada E. Deer, who fought federal termination of Menominee sovereignty.

LaDonna Harris, who helped restore federal recognition of the Menominee.

Adam Fortunate Eagle, an organizer and participant in the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz Island.

Oren Lyons, a participant in the 1973 siege at Wounded Knee.

"These seven leaders have never been together in same place at the same time," said Marvin Hunt, a program manager with KU's Department of Continuing Education.

"In that sense, at least, this will be historic," he said. "And while none of us like to come out and say it, it's also unlikely to ever happen again, considering the participants' ages."

The seven, he said, are thought to be in their mid 60s.

The conference's Friday and Saturday sessions will be at Kansas Union on the KU campus.

Haskell Indian Nations University on Friday will serve as host to a dinner and keynote address, starting at 6 p.m.

"Usually, when you put on a conference like this, you would be fortunate to get one or two people of this caliber. For us to get seven is nothing short of a miracle."

Donald Fixico, director of the KU's Indigenous Nations Studies program

"We are hoping this conference will raise questions about American Indian leadership," Fixico said. "By that I don't mean 'agenda issues,' but rather: What were the characteristics of the Indian leaders in the 1960s? What are those characteristics today? How are they different? And what will they be in the future?"

The conference's costs, thought to be about $150,000, are being underwritten by KU.

The conference is expected to attract American Indian activists, academics and students from around the country. The conference is subject to advanced registration and fees. For more information call 864-5823.