Welcome to the fifth and final installment of our Poetics
and Politics series here at the U of A. First
and foremost, I would like to acknowledge
the fact that we are on traditional Tohono O'odham
land.
And we are honored and privileged to be
able to commune and study here.
Just going forward, again, this is
our fifth and final installment of the Poetics and Politics
series here.
This past semester, we've had the opportunity
to hear the work of Dr. Ofelia Zepeda, Professor Luci
Tapahonso, Dr. Washburn, Leslie Marmon Silko.
And now, we are graced with the presence of Mr. Gerald Vizenor.
The Poetics and Politics class has
focused on the literary works of prominent Native American
writers and their use of writing as a medium
for political discourse and the preservation
of the oral tradition.
We would also like to thank our sponsors, which
would be the University Office of the President,
the English department, as well as the American Studies
department, and the Poetry Center for allowing
us to utilize this space.
And also know that following the reading,
we will be having a brief Q&A period, as well
as a book signing over here in the bookstore
with small refreshments.
Now I would like to introduce our individual who
will be doing the opening blessing for the evening, who
is Professor Jennie R. Joe, who is a member of the Navajo
Nation and a professor in the Department of Family
and Community Medicine, who also directs the Native American
Research and Training Center in the College of Medicine
at U of A. She is also a faculty member of the AIS Department.
Some of her research activities have
included working with American children and youth
with type 2 diabetes, providing services regarding
breast and cervical cancer screenings,
culturally-based substance abuse and treatment
programs, traditional tribal medicine, disability
and rehabilitation.
Professor Joe has served on a number
of national and international organizations,
including the Institute of Medicine,
as well as the Institute of Aboriginal People's Health.
As a researcher, she has and continues
to be involved with a number of health-related studies
conducted in partnership with tribal groups
throughout the country.
As an educator and mentor, she has
and continues to work with students
from multicultural backgrounds.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Professor Joe.
Excuse me.
[APPLAUSE]