November 24th, 2025: 6:00-7:00 pm via Zoom
Push-back and Persistence: A Tribal Perspective
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t0lqktUSSaWkexZCyloCbw
Understanding the social and cultural history of tribal people through a historical
continuum. Featuring Alton “Sonny” Smart
This presentation explores the historical and ongoing challenges Indigenous
communities experience in sustaining their cultural traditions and identities. It will offer
context for understanding today’s “pushback” by using the concept of a “historical
pendulum” — illustrating how societal attitudes and policies toward Indigenous peoples
have shifted over time, and how Native nations continue to navigate, resist, and reclaim
in the face of these movements.
Parking Lot: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Unmoderated Interaction After the Discussion – if
needed)
Just to remind us all – the agreements for Courageous Conversations are:
1) stay engaged,
2) experience discomfort,
3) speak your truth, and
4) expect and accept non-closure