By ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
On Tuesday, Cornel Pewewardy spoke on the FHSU campus in a presentation titled: “Seeing Red: The Construction of the Indian in American Popular Culture and Sports.” Pewewardy, who is an associate professor of political science at the University of Central Oklahoma and a member of the Comanche-Kiowa nation, emphasized the importance of Indigenous representation and the need for meaningful change in how these communities are portrayed. He discussed the broader implications of representation and its significance in creating a more equitable world.
“You have to lay out the theory, you have to be sound in your foundation, and you have to deliver that foundation to an audience that might not be as accommodating as you are,” Pewewardy said.
He explored critical race theory and legislation, noting that they can set scholars back decades due to threats, a lack of resources, and the destruction of valuable materials. Additionally, he pointed out the insufficient support for initiatives that help Indigenous people remember and connect with their tribes.
Pewewardy discussed how stereotypes in media, literature, and everyday conversations impact the perception of how Indigenous children see themselves.
“A lot of words and antics happen today,” he said.
Concerning the use of mascots, he suggested that these representations create an empirical nostalgia based on stereotypes that profit Hollywood.
“Who profits from these manufactured images? It is usually not the Native people themselves; that is why Hollywood is so invested,” he said.
When asked how to support the removal of Indian mascots from schools, he advocated for accurate information and representation about Native people, stressing that they should not be treated as a “costume.” He also urged breaking the mindset in communities that say, “It’s been like this forever; why change it now?”
Pewewardy’s talk highlighted the urgent need for a more authentic and respectful representation of Indigenous communities. By addressing the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by media and the use of mascots, he called for a collective effort to challenge outdated narratives and foster meaningful change.
Pewewardy said it is essential to provide accurate information and support for Indigenous voices, ensuring they are not just passive subjects in the conversation but active participants. Only through awareness and education can we begin to dismantle harmful stereotypes and create a more equitable society for Indigenous peoples.
Pewewardy singing a song to start the presentation. 
These two books are referenced whith the presentation. These books show the stereotypes that Indigenous people have. 
Pewewardy talking about Power and Control as an idea. 
Pewewardy explaining who profits from “warrior” images and having books that talk this topic. 
The speaker explaining how empirical nostalgia is not helping the styerotype and is one of many reasons that these masocts are being changed. 
ewewardy explaining Stephanie Fryberg’s Study. This study showed how the social representation of Native Americans impacted self-esteem, beliefs, and future goals. 
The speaker talked about how people use these words and phrases, most of them taught by their parents or teachers, and how it effects childen and adults alike. 
One of Dr. Suess’s older books that showed the styerotypes that kids are seeing and are interpreting. 
Pewewardy talks about how teaching “Ten Little Indians’ came from a worse back story and that it increased a stereotype that they are working on disintegrating the stereotype. 
People and schools are getting in trouble because being native is not a costume. The photo is part of a highschool golf team that got in trouble becasue of a girl dressing up as a Native American. 
Pewewardy explaining that this stereotype is in artificial intelligence. 
The speaker explaining how books like Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne has been banished because of the “hollywood” aspect.
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