Before beginning his presentation, Chief Chad Smith, the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, was presented with two gifts.
Native American Law Students Association members Brian DeSoto and Mike Haller offered Smith a twist of natural tobacco and a necklace made of dentalia. Haller said the dentalia shell is found off the Oregon and Washington coasts, and it was used by Native Americans in trading.
Smith began the public lecture on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Knight Law Center. There were approximately 200 people in attendance, ranging from professors and students to area Cherokee people.
Smith opened his speech by referencing Monday, Oct. 9 as Columbus Day.
“I’m clueless, folks,” Smith said. “Why do we celebrate the arrival of a man who is as lost in American history as a man can be?”
Smith went on to speak about the use of mascots, nicknames, symbols and stereotypes of Native Americans on display in American society.
“What it comes down to is that those who use mascots say they use them to honor Indians,” he said. “I have very little tolerance that they are doing this out of respect.”
Smith said the use of redskins and braves as mascots perpetuates inaccurate images of Native Americans to the American public.
Smith also referenced the 1940s release of Peter Pan, where the wild boys meet the Indians.
Smith said that scene leaves the wrong impression about Native American culture with viewers.
“It is so ingrained in the American psyche that they know nothing else,” Smith said.
But Smith said he has goals to re-educate people and provide better opportunities for his own children and the children of the Cherokee Nation.
Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin and a doctorate in law from the University of Tulsa. He is a professor of Indian Law at Dartmouth College.
Smith said he sees law as a tool to effect social change. He has a legal background in cases designed to protect and expand the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation.
“Our sovereignty exists at the will of the American government,” Smith said. “The thing that impedes this is public consciousness, sentiment and policy.”
DeSoto, a NALSA member and 3rd year law student, attended a meeting between the area Cherokee people and Smith on Monday afternoon.
“[Smith] talked about Native Americans in higher education and being able to integrate our culture into our education,” said DeSoto. “[Smith] seems to be really concerned with maintaining the cultural legacy. In his view, the Cherokee culture is in danger because there are fewer native speakers of the Cherokee language. He said we are one generation away from losing everything.”
The Dean of the Knight Law Center, Rennard Strickland, whose heritage comes from the Osage and Cherokee tribes, was an active supporter of Smith’s campaign to become principal chief. When Smith was appointed to his position last July in a landslide victory, Strickland spoke at his installation.
“As a Chief, he is one of those rare souls who combines understanding of the Cherokee tradition, tribal language and history with a very sophisticated understanding of modern business, government and culture,” Strickland said. “[Smith] is an exemplar of how one can, through education and good communication, make a contribution to life.”
The presentation was hosted by University President Dave Frohnmayer, the School of Law and NALSA.