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When Michael Harkin, Brian Hosmer, and I discussed proposing the “Re- figuring the Ecological Indian” conference to the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center for its tenth annual symposium (2002), we believed the topic of Native peoples and their relationships with the environment to be important for many reasons and deserving of serious consideration . Shepard Krech’s recently published and controversial book, The Ecological Indian: Myth and History, contributed to the timeliness of the discussion , it seemed to us. While these foundational thoughts for the “Re-figuring the Ecological Indian” conference were hardly provocative, action that followed, as plans for the conference evolved, proved to be. Specifically, Shepard Krech was invited to give a keynote address. I supported the address because I was interested in hearing his arguments and evidence presented before an audience that was in significant measure Native American. Also, I believed the question-and-answer session following his presentation would provide an opportunity for critical discussion, challenges to Krech’s premises and positions , and a necessary opportunity for debate. I anticipated a “Krech Meets the Critics” encounter that would represent the best traditions of the academy . What I failed to anticipate was the interpretation by some that the conference ’s invitation to Krech was an endorsement of him and his writings. I should have known better, and when it happened I had no trouble understanding why. I wish my timing had been better and that I had thought ahead instead of understanding after. Foreword Judith Antell Gratefully, tribal people from our campus community, from our region, and from across the United States and Canada did participate in the conference as presenters, moderators, panel discussants, and audience members. Also, Native persons honored us with prayer, song, and welcoming words. Members of the Blackfeet, Lakota, Comanche, Penobscot, Cree, Abenaki, Diné, Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Mohawk, Ardoch Algonquin, Ranamuri, Anishinaabe, and Sac and Fox nations were participants in “Re- figuring the Ecological Indian.” Donald L. Fixico, Charlotte Black Elk, Curly Bear Wagner, Raymond Pierotti, Darren J. Ranco, Burton Hutchinson, Wesley Martel, John Yellowplume, and James Trosper were some of the tribal people who played key roles in the gathering. “Re-figuring the Ecological Indian” was shaped by the Native peoples who participated in the conference itself as well as the Native peoples whose lives in relation to the environment were the subject of consideration. All value associated with the conference is a tribute to them. Laramie, Wyoming x | judith antell ...

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