Class reading: Abram

            “Indeed, in the absence of formal writing systems, human communities come to know themselves primarily by the reflection back by the animals and the animate landscape which they are directly engaged” (Abram 1996, pg. 123). Abram refers to this epistemological understanding of the people’s relationship with a particular place as totemism. This idea links the identity of these tribes with their respective “totems” or places of significance. As these Indians and non-Indians struggle to co-exist, we are finding more and more disrespect shown towards the Indians and their way of life.  In the film, the Lakota tribe lost their right to property of Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, which held a ritualistic and symbolic purpose within their religion. When they tried to fight the government for the right to maintaining ownership the court ruled against them, claiming that the Government could not favor any one religion.  Now Devil’s Tower is a popular place for free-climbers who hold no respect for the Lakota people. It is almost impossible for us to express vividly the connection these people have to their sacred places according to Abram. 

Hunter