University
Old Dominion University
Country
United States of America
Document Type
Conference Paper
Description/Abstract
Significant to the field of cultural studies is the identification of cultural artifacts, which enable scholars to analyze the complexities of societies, comprehend cultural dynamics, and investigate the ways in which individuals and communities construct meaning and identity in cultural contexts. Oral history, an intangible cultural artifact, has been an important cultural identifier, particularly for marginalized individuals and communities. The development of critical oral history (COH) methodology has alleviated some of the criticism toward oral history as a valid methodology. In fact, some scholars contend that COH has moved beyond the realm of academic research to “provide a policy relevant account of the past” (Garthoff, 104). This paper attempts to prove this theory by investigating the extent to which oral histories of unrecognized tribal communities in the United States can serve as evidence of cultural heritage and identity, addressing the criteria set forth for federal recognition as American Indian tribes under the Office of Acknowledgment petition process, 25CFR Part 83.
Keywords
Cultural studies, Oral history, Critical oral history, Indigenous historiography, Federal recognition, Indian tribe
Disciplines
Critical and Cultural Studies | Cultural History | Native American Studies | Oral History | United States History
DOI
10.25776/19cz-r927
Session Title
Colonial Legacies, Cultural Identity, & Repatriation
Location
Cape Charles Room, ODU Webb Center
Start Date
3-21-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
3-21-2025 2:50 PM
Upload File
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Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Cultural History Commons, Native American Studies Commons, Oral History Commons, United States History Commons
Research in Indigenous Historiographies: Oral History as Evidence for Federal Recognition of Indian Tribes
Cape Charles Room, ODU Webb Center
Significant to the field of cultural studies is the identification of cultural artifacts, which enable scholars to analyze the complexities of societies, comprehend cultural dynamics, and investigate the ways in which individuals and communities construct meaning and identity in cultural contexts. Oral history, an intangible cultural artifact, has been an important cultural identifier, particularly for marginalized individuals and communities. The development of critical oral history (COH) methodology has alleviated some of the criticism toward oral history as a valid methodology. In fact, some scholars contend that COH has moved beyond the realm of academic research to “provide a policy relevant account of the past” (Garthoff, 104). This paper attempts to prove this theory by investigating the extent to which oral histories of unrecognized tribal communities in the United States can serve as evidence of cultural heritage and identity, addressing the criteria set forth for federal recognition as American Indian tribes under the Office of Acknowledgment petition process, 25CFR Part 83.