ALS Assistant Professor, Sarah Hernandez recently presented and discussed her manuscript on the Oceti Sakowin Oyate (D/L/Nakota nations) and their rich literary traditions. The event began with a presentation by Sarah Hernandez, whose research traces the transformation of the Oceti Sakowin literary tradition from an oral to a written form, and examines how literary representations of D/L/Nakotanations have contributed to settler colonialism.
Hernandez’ presentation was followed by a panel discussion moderated by ALS Professor, Melina Vizcaíno-Alemán. This manuscript review workshop, sponsored by the Institute for American Indian Research and the Department of English, was designed to support new faculty members who are preparing submissions for publication. The panel consisted of Oceti Sakowin scholars and community leaders who provided Hernandez with feedback on her manuscript, Colonizing and Decolonizing the Oceti Sakowin Oyate: Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Literature, 1836 to present.. Panelists included: Lanniko Lee (Mnicounjou Lakota), Dr. Christopher Pexa (Spirit Lake Nation), Gabrielle Tateyuskanskan (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota), Dr. Edward Valandra (Sicangu Lakota), and Dr. Gwen Westerman (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota).