We the Diverse People: Cultural Encounters in the Pacific Northwest
Jeanne Eder
"Sacagawea"
Through her intensive research on the lives of Native American women, Jeanne Eder was able to transform the lecture hall into an intimate conversation with the legendary Indian guide. The life of Sacagawea was personified through the historical performance that developed a real sense of what the culture of the Native Americans was like at the time of Westward expansion. Looking through the eyes of Sacagawea, the journey of Lewis and Clark came alive as the myths around her life were inspected.
The interactions between the members of the traveling Corps of Discovery and the various resident Indian tribes, as described by Eder, were delicate encounters that led to trade of goods, as well as, knowledge. The encounters between the different cultures within the expedition detail the ability of social and racial differences to be put aside when a common goal is to be reached. Both Sacagawea and York had an audience with Lewis and Clark, a notion that probably would not have been tolerated if they were not in need of their expert opinions. Eder concluded her talk by comming out of character and discussing some of the major concerns facing the Native American culture present in modern time.
Themes and topics explored in the 2003 Summer Institute can be found here.
Washington State University, Vancouver | Center for Columbia River History
Evergreen School District | Klickitat School District | Vancouver School District
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