Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies ETDs
Publication Date
Spring 4-15-2024
Abstract
This qualitative study examines how the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation makes meaning, constructs, and affirms their tribal identity. This tribe is a non-federally recognized community in Michigan.
This study employed an Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing framework, combining Critical Indigenous Research Methodology with a narrative one. I investigated how they preserve their language and culture and what that means to them. This led to an exploration into mixed-race Indigenous identities, how archiving and genealogical and tribal historical knowledge tie into creating and affirming personal identity.
This study demonstrated that there are many ways to be Wyandot and that each interviewee makes meaning, constructs, and affirms their tribal identity through family stories, language, customs, spirituality, art, and tribal affiliation. Finally, this study seeks to challenge current assumptions by demonstrating that a non-federally recognized tribal community can make meaning through passing down language and culture.
Keywords
Indigenous, Wyandot, meaning-making, archiving, mixed-race, White-coded
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Degree Name
Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies
First Committee Member (Chair)
Christine Sims
Second Committee Member
Aijuan Cun
Third Committee Member
Ashley Dallacqua
Fourth Committee Member
Lloyd Lee
Recommended Citation
Berton Reilly, Elizabeth Ann. "THE WYANDOT OF ANDERDON NATION: MEANING-MAKING, CONSTRUCTING, AND AFFIRMING THEIR TRIBAL IDENTITIES THROUGH ARCHIVING HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/educ_llss_etds/162
