RESISTING ERASURE: The role of Indigenous People in American Identity

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we are called upon to consider a profound and often overlooked truth: this nation was built on the backs of many and perhaps the greatest cost was borne by Native peoples. Sadly, today’s indigenous communities represent just 1% of the population, but their names, images and traditions are woven into the fabric of American culture — from place names and sports mascots to art and spiritual wisdom. How is it that the Native presence is so ubiquitous yet “unseen”, and its collective voice so marginalized?

Cambridge Forum will unravel the contradictions at the heart of American identity. We will examine how Indigenous knowledge and ways of life have been borrowed and celebrated by mainstream culture, even as Native peoples have faced dispossession, exclusion and erasure. We will also highlight how, despite all efforts to eradicate them over the centuries, Indigenous communities have continued to survive and exercise their sovereignty and sacred cultural ways.

Our distinguished panelists bring their unique knowledge and first-hand experiences to this conversation:

Rhonda Anderson, Western Massachusetts Commissioner on Indian Affairs, an advocate for Indigenous visibility and representation in regional and state policy.

Lawrence Baca, retired lawyer from the U.S. Justice Department, whose career has focused on advancing Native rights within the legal system.

Brad Lopes, Education Manager for the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribal Education Department, who works to preserve and share Wampanoag history and culture.

We hope to provide an opportunity to confront our past and envision a more honest and comprehensive rendering of the cost of securing our American identity.

Our guest moderator is former GBH journalist, Phillip Martin.
Join the conversation.