Contemporary Issues in Feminist Research: Winter 2019

The Winter 2019 “Contemporary Issues in Feminist Research” features faculty and staff presenting research in their disciplines from a feminist perspective. The events are hosted by the EWU Women’s & Gender Studies Program.

Contemporary Language Policy and Practice on the Colville Indian Reservation

SimHayKin Jack
Lecturer of American Indian Studies

Tuesday, Mar. 5
Noon to 12:50, 207 Monroe Hall

This presentation explores contemporary language policy and practice on the Colville Indian Reservation with a special emphasis on the most recent move towards heritage language use at the tribal headquarters. I delve into the process of my tribe’s language loss, what remains of our heritage language, and the current policies that have been enacted in order to revitalize it. This research tracks the history of heritage language use on the reservation and the policies relative to language maintenance and revitalization in this specific community.

The policies and practices surrounding heritage languages in Native communities are unique. Native peoples lost their languages via calculated government policies aimed at assimilation which have not traditionally been addressed. My study brings in community-based research and Indigenous methodologies. It addresses the Colville Confederated tribe’s most recent policies regarding language use and preservation. It then provides a critical examination of the historical context for language decline on the reservation and how future policies might be implemented to prevent further loss and even reinvigorate the heritage speaker community

Undocumented Students Advocating for Decolonized Hispanic/Diversity Serving Institutions in Washington State

Christina Torres García, PhD
Director of McNair Scholar Program

Tuesday, Mar. 12
Noon to 12:50, 207 Monroe Hall

As several universities in Washington State hone resources for improving recruitment among Latinx students and embrace the opportunity to become Hispanic/Diversity Serving Institutions, Undocumented and DACAmented Latinx students continue facing unnecessary obstacles within these post-secondary organizations. Using Undocumented Critical Theory (UndocuCrit) and Chicana feminist epistemologies, this study highlights the experiences of 60 undocumented Latinx students collected from interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Their experiences challenge the white normative approaches and colonial mentality in which postsecondary institutions continue to function.

These students also advocate for decolonizing Hispanic Serving Institutions’ organizational frameworks. They do this by suggesting an embrace of diversity, equity, and social justice within the institutions’ philosophy and organizational structure, rather than the continued implementation of a reductionist and defunct westernized approach.

All of our events are wheelchair accessible and fragrance-free. Contact Lisa Logan at 509.359.2898 or llogan83@ewu.edu three business days in advance to make accommodation arrangements.