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Conference Summary
2007 PCA/ACA
(Popular Culture Association/ American Culture Association)
April 4-7, 2007, Boston, MA
Melissa Blind
PhD Candidate
American Indian Studies GIDP
With this letter I would like to express my genuine thanks in granting me the Herbert E. Carter Award. This award allowed me to attend the PCA/ACA meeting and present in the American Indian Literatures and Culture section in Boston, MA, April 4-7, 2007. In attending the annual meeting I was able to not only gain valuable information regarding the future of American Indian Studies, but gain valuable contacts and experience and feedback in presenting my work.
The American Indian Literatures and Culture section this year examined the writings of Sherman Alexie, decolonization through narratives, ethnographical works of James R. Murie, authenticity, and the state of American Indian Studies Programs today. Through these different topics I was able to gain valuable insight into the types of research being conducted. The round table discussion on the state of American Indian Studies was very interesting and very engaging. These meetings not only bring people from within the field together, but also critically examine the discipline in order to change and strengthen existing paradigms. Being a part of these discussions allows me the opportunity to voice my experiences and concerns as a graduate student.
This meeting was very characteristic of American Indian Studies in that it was very interdisciplinary. With the presenters and panelists coming from many different areas of focus, I was able to gain a different perspective on some of the topics presented. In further discussing the presenters’ works with them, I was able to exchange ideas on topics such as decolonization and build valuable contacts for the future. For my own presentation, I was able to gain valuable experience and feedback. I will definitely be going back to this conference in future years.
Thank you for providing me with the funding to make this conference experience truly exceptional.
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