Editorial Researching With Mutual Respect

Abstract

The Elders who taught me did not preach assimilation either way, only that it is not wise to try to be someone you are not. Several years ago when I was very sick I learned an important lesson about assimilation and integration. When the doctors informed me that I might not survive surgery, the last question in my mind was "Have I been true to myself: have I lived a life that was congruent with the teachings and life principles that made me feel proud and at peace with myself?" The answer for me was a disturbing "No." I had denied my Indianness and had nearly forgotten who I was, and I was not doing all that well at being a Mooneyahquay ("whitewoman"). ...