Expert: Ralph Salier - 7/14/2008

Question
I’m student at NIC and am writing a paper about prehistoric people in North America.  I understand how limited your time is and if answering all ten questions is too much please choose the few or one question you think is most important.  If I have asked a question that is considered rude by your people please tell me.  It is only due to my ignorance and I in no way mean to be disrespectful.  My desire is for accurate knowledge that I can share with fellow teachers and students. If you wish to know more about my paper or me please contact me.  Thank you for your time and input.   
1.  What is the best way to address your tribe, the preferred terminology of you and your people?
(All of the following questions are directed to the time prior to European arrival.)
2.  Can you give me a brief synopsis of the traditional story that describes the origins of your people?
3.  Can you suggest an accurate source for more details if needed?
4.  Were there roles that women played, other than being mothers that was vital to the tribe’s survival?
5.  Did agricultural play an important role in the tribe’s survival and if so when did it begin?
6.  How important was hunting to the tribe’s survival?
7.  Is there a story that illustrates the traditions hunters were to practice?
8.  What is your opinion of the hypothesis that claims the first people in North America over-hunted and caused the extinction of several large species of mammals?
9.  Recently new evidence was presented that shows a comet explosion over North America could have caused the extinction of those mammals.  It may also be part of the reason there are so few sites proving the first people lived here long before the 12,000 BCE timeline.  Is there anything in your tribe’s oral history that you think might be related to such an event?
10.  What is the most important thing that you and your tribe would want other people to know about your traditional values in comparison to the “over-kill” theory or any other similar issues?


Answer
Hi Trish,

Not being a Native American,  I do not feel comfortable answering these question on behalf of the many tribes and traditions out there.  I would recommend that you contact the Navajo Cultural Center and allow one of the elders to help you with these questions.