Greg Sarris joins Michael Krasny to discuss Native American identity
Long-time public radio host Michael Krasny has joined the Bill Lane Center in producing a series of podcasts on the American West. The collaboration has yielded four fascinating conversations about the region's complex history and environmental challenges, as well as its central role in Native American life and its unique art and culture. After conducting interviews with Lane Center co-founder David Kennedy, journalist Felicity Barringer and art historian Alex Nemerov, Krasny concluded the series with a final episode on Native American identity in the West. His guest, Greg Sarris, is a writer, professor, chair of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and chair of the Board of Trustees of The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian.
During the interview, Sarris and Krasny discussed the unique characteristics that distinguish Western tribes from their counterparts across America. Drawing from his extensive experience in tribal leadership, Sarris provided a nuanced perspective on how geographical and historical differences have shaped distinct tribal identities across regions.
He also offered insight on Indian casinos and the need for wealthier Western tribes to share their profits with those who are struggling. Noting that California Indian gaming is generating a huge revenue stream, Sarris explicitly urged "those tribes who are doing well" to give more "to the tribes that aren't doing well and take care of them here."
In a more personal account, Sarris shared stories about his own tribal identity, and the transformative influence of a medicine woman and basket weaver who helped shape his understanding of traditional knowledge and cultural preservation. From here, the conversation turned toward broader themes of intergenerational trauma and healing within Native communities.
Particularly compelling was Sarris's examination of legal rights and sovereignty, where he carefully distinguished between race-based considerations and treaty rights - a crucial distinction that often gets overlooked in public discourse. His discussion of life expectancy and poverty rates on reservations provided a sobering look at the ongoing challenges facing Native communities, while his insights into environmental stewardship offered hope for future generations.
The interview also took up contemporary Native American literature, with Sarris offering thoughtful perspectives on cultural appropriation.
Responding to a listener's question, Sarris discussed challenges to American Indian sovereignty and the need to remember that tribes are not based on race but on treaties with the federal government. He also explored Native American poverty, life expectancy, and life on the reservations.
The conversation concluded with a powerful discussion of environmental stewardship, connecting traditional Indigenous relationships with nature to current environmental challenges facing the American West.
Greg Sarris's interview with Michael Krasny can be accessed by clicking on the button below. The entire series of podcasts is also available on our website.
