Independent news from the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance

Vandalism of new University of Montana American Indian center

An exhibit including a display of the tribal flags from the Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Oglala, Rosebud, Sisseton Wahpeton, Standing Rock and Yankton Sioux Tribes. (Rapid City Journal File photo)
Fredricka Hunter inside the Payne Family Native American Center at University of Montana
Fredricka Hunter inside the Dear Readers:

I am sharing the following email sent by University of Montana President George Dennison. It’s in reference to the new — and absolutely beautiful architecture — Native building, which is set for dedication on May 13. the president’s message underscores the importance and the need for the new building. It’s certainly already given American Indian students an unprecedented presence on campus. It’s truly amazing. Here’s a story I wrote on the building for The Montanan.

Please read Dennison’s thoughts, in his own words:

I regret to have to inform the campus community that some unknown person or persons committed acts of vandalism that marred the newest facility on the campus even before we have had the opportunity to dedicate it. The Payne Family Native American Center has the role and mission to serve the campus community as well as the Native American communities around the State. I believe I speak for most people when I express our pride in having this special facility made possible by the generosity of the donors. No other campus in the country has such a facility. That communal pride strikes me as entirely appropriate and inspirational.

I must also say, however, that I find this behavior baffling. Why would anyone—whether a member of the campus community or not—deliberately deface such a wonderful facility with symbolic importance to the campus and surrounding communities? As I recall, the campus experienced something similar with regard to a temporary structure—a sukkah holding great religious significance—erected on the campus by members of the Jewish community. In response, I sent an appeal to the campus requesting help in the protection of the sukkah. The campus community responded quickly and overwhelmingly in a very positive way. I ask once again that we all observe what happens on campus and report any activities that appear to threaten the grounds, facilities, and campus members. We have a campus environment and community spirit that has no tolerance for socially destructive behavior. Let us rally once again and insist upon respect for others and for our community.

Thank you for whatever you can do to assist in the maintenance of our wonderful community.

President George Dennison.

Jodi Rave

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear is the founder and director of the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization with offices in Bismarck, N.D. and the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jodi spent 15 years reporting for the mainstream press. She's been awarded prestigious Nieman and John S. Knight journalism fellowships at Harvard and Stanford, respectively. She also an MIT Knight Science Journalism Project fellow. Her writing is featured in "The Authentic Voice: The Best Reporting on Race and Ethnicity," published by Columbia University Press. Jodi currently serves as a Society of Professional Journalists at-large board member, an SPJ Foundation board member, and she chairs the SPJ Freedom of Information Committee. Jodi has won top journalism awards from mainstream and Native press organizations. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

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