41. Native American Series 4 | Utah 4th-Grade Song “Utah Indians”Episode Keywords:NACI, Native American Curriculum Initiative, teachers asking appropriate questions about Native content, cultural appropriation, addressing Native stereotypes, indigenous pedagogy, Native American lesson plans, authentic voice, Artful Teaching podcast, Native American, classroom, indigenous pedagogy in the classroom, lesson plans, Native American, tribe, NACI authentic experience, teachers, culture keepers, share, curriculum, lessons, indigenous education, culture, Native American cultural arts, sovereign nation, song, Native American song, Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Shoshone Fish Song, choosing appropriate books, Native American children’s books, decision-based model for Native content, tipi, eight sovereign nations, Utah Educational NetworkEpisode Resources:Decision-Based Model for Selecting Appropriate Native American Content for the ClassroomBlog Post: Answering Teachers’ Questions about the “Utah Indians” SongHow to Choose Native American Children’s Books for the ClassroomUtah Educational Network Resource: Five Tribal Groups, Eight Sovereign NationsI Love the Mountains–Damen Doiya lesson planNorthwestern Shoshone Fish Song lesson planShi Naasha lesson plan: Coming soon! Native American Curriculum Initiative Websitewww.advancingartsleadership.com/naciNative American Lesson Planswww.education.byu.edu/arts/lessonsAbout the BYU ARTS Partnership https://advancingartsleadership.com/node/66Episode Notes:Why “Utah Indians” from Utah’s Popular Fourth-Grade Program is a Song to Set Aside Cally Flox: Welcome to the Artful Teaching podcast. Today we address the next question teachers have asked our Native American Curriculum Initiative experts, Brenda Beyal and Emily Soderborg. In our state, we have a wonderful program that was created in the 1990’s called “This is the Place.” It was written and based on people's understanding and the cultural zeitgeist of the day. Over the years, a sense of awareness emerged that one of the songs on that program, called “Utah Indians” is not ideally suited for representing Native American culture or Native American people. Over and over and over again, we get questions from teachers about this song: “Wow, is this song okay?” “Can I sing this?” Teachers now know to ask the questions, and they are asking intelligent questions, noticing: “This song supports stereotypes.” “This song is saying things that aren't really true.” “This song has that stereotypical beat.” Teachers are learning to ask the right questions. They’re asking, “Can I use this song?” “What do I do?” Brenda Beyal is the Program Coordinator for Native American Curriculum Initiative (NACI), and Emily Soderborg is the NACI Project Manager. They're here to help us answer that question today.Brenda Beyal: Thank you, Cally. We have had this question over and over again. When this song was first created, it was acceptable to people in general. Now, in 2023, we have viewpoints and perspectives that have changed. At this point, this song is probably verging on creating a narrative that is inaccurate for children. We want to do what's best for children. We want them to view their fellow friends and fellow community members in a way that is authentic and accurate. I don't know if this song does that.Cally Flox: This is a song, based on our criteria, that we recommend be set aside.Brenda Beyal: Yes.Cally Flox: Too many inaccuracies exist in the song for a simple explanation for children in the classroom. For example, if we're choosing a children’s book, and there are one or two inaccuracies, we can show those to the children and still use the book with modifications. This song is one that needs too many modifications. It's time to set it aside. “Utah Indians” Song Perpetuates Stereotypes of Native AmericansBrenda Beyal: Right. Perhaps you're a teacher that is on a team that possibly uses the song, or you need to talk to an administrator about the song. Here’s how you can explain why the song “Utah Indians” marginalizes communities. There are a couple of things that we find in the song that are uncomfortable. For example, the very first words of the song—which is supposed to be about Native people—are actually sharing the original perspective that the song comes from.Cally Flox: Will you tell us what it says in the beginning of the song?Brenda Beyal: It's, “When white man came…” This song actually tells you what perspective the song is coming from.Cally Flox: That's an honest point of view. This is a song written from white man's point of view about when white man came to the land. Brenda Beyal: Yes. Cally Flox: We want to move forward to restoring some of those cultural bonds and the sharing of the land and a more respectful point of view. At least the song was honest about the perspective they were sharing.Brenda Beyal: Yes, yes. And ...
