ASUO accused of “Harrasing indigenous community”

This week's ASUO Senate meeting witnessed an outpour of emotion and determination as members of the Native American Student Union (NASU) and other indigenous students voiced their opposition to ASUO's decision to schedule a concert on the same date as the annual Mother's Day Powwow for the second consecutive year.

The meeting began with impassioned pleas from students, offering varied suggestions ranging from urging ASUO to "keep the date" and experiencing the full punishment associated with the decision to calls for its cancellation or rescheduling to preserve the significance of the powwow weekend. However, it is clear that even simply moving the concert date at this juncture would not repair the harm caused by ASUO's decision.

The energy in the room was palpable, with numerous NASU members and native students present to challenge ASUO's actions. One student pointedly drew parallels from ASUO to other colonial efforts, "You cannot fathom a life in which you do not take from our community." Their words encapsulated the frustration and disappointment felt by many towards ASUO's disregard for indigenous voices and traditions.

Students pleaded with ASUO members, questioning how much more they could take while preaching "solidarity and inclusion." They criticized ASUO for prioritizing personal gain and resume-building over genuine representation and support for marginalized communities. A sentiment echoed throughout the room: "You are the modern Colonizer."

NASU's fight for recognition and respect has been ongoing, reflecting the enduring struggle of indigenous communities on campuses. The strong turnout at the Senate meeting underscored students' unity and strength in holding ASUO accountable for its actions.

As NASU co-directors addressed the assembly, they recounted their past experiences with ASUO's disregard for their concerns. They highlighted the powwow's significance being overshadowed by last year's concert and the constant fight for recognition. The co-directors expressed frustration with ASUO's empty promises and lack of genuine support, emphasizing the erosion of trust between NASU and the student government.

A NASU co-director on their experiences dealing with this exact same problem with ASUO last year: "Last year made us realize what ASUO prioritizes," they said. The concert last year, also held on the same day as the Mother's Day powwow, "[overshadowed] what powwow is about."

The co-directors also expressed frustration, having been told by ASUO that they "could just ask for help," But it's no shock that NASU doesn't feel this offer is genuine after "so many broken promises." They stated, resonating with many of the indigenous people and students in the room, "We cannot trust [ASUO]; we cannot rely on [ASUO]."

Miss Indigenous and Mr Indigenous shared poignant insights into the constant battle for acceptance and recognition they face at the university. Miss Indigenous emphasized the importance of powwow as a tradition and condemned ASUO's treatment of the Indigenous community. Mr Indigenous lamented the need to warn Indigenous youth about the challenges they will encounter at UO, including the ongoing struggle with ASUO. He stated, "We should not have to warn [prospective indigenous students] that they are going to have to battle ASUO," as every NASU director has before. 

Miss Indigenous said, "tribal people are everywhere; we belong on this land." She said to the senate, "powwow is life," urging ASUO to grasp the importance of the tradition they "forgot" and disrespected. She continued speaking to the senators, stating, "None of you have been to the powwow, I don't recognize any of you," highlighting the performative nature of ASUO "inclusion." It is not inclusion at all; Miss Indigenous correctly identified ASUOs treatment of NASU as "harassing the indigenous community."

"ASUO will not be the government that tells us not to dance again."

She asked her fellow students and supposed representatives to "start looking at us like we're humans too, not just an object you can support once a year."

Another student spoke on the budget cuts NASU endured following COVID complications, highlighting the insensitivity of ASUO's demands during a crisis. She challenged ASUO to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by indigenous communities during the pandemic and stressed the importance of understanding and empathy.

Calling attention to how the budget cuts NASU experienced after COVID complications affected their organization, the student stated, "NASU leadership was told to just get over it" by ASUO during the pandemic. "Get over it and submit your budget," the inconsideration is palpable. She highlights the unique challenges indigenous communities faced over COVID-19, making it impossible for NASU to "get over it" and submit their budget. She asked ASUO, "when the CDC guidelines told us to wash our hands... with what water? When schools went asynchronous... with what internet? When reservations asked for protective equipment, they were sent body bags."  

Students also reiterated the significance of the Powwows as a cultural cornerstone and a platform for raising awareness of indigenous issues, especially in drawing attention to missing or murdered indigenous women. They emphasized that Powwows represent more than just a cultural event—they are a symbol of resilience, strength, and community for indigenous students.

Powwows are a chance to spread awareness of the violence against indigenous communities, especially indigenous women, and to speak and dance for those who cannot. They are the heartblood of The Longhouse, a place of family and strength. Powwow is a time to honor matriarchs and build community. The concert opposes all of this. 

Many students reminded ASUO that, not in small part due to the budget cuts they enforced over the past decades, "sometimes all we have is powwow."

The NASU sit-in at the ASUO Senate is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and respect faced by indigenous communities on campus. It is a call to action for ASUO to either support our indigenous students or get out of the way.
UPDATE: March 15th
ASUO President Chloe Webster released a statement via the ASUO student Government Instagram account addressing the situation. Many of the comments pointed out that the response was too little, too late. An important message President Webster highlighted was “these words will mean nothing” until action is taken. That action being “actively working with the agency to cancel the spring concert” and “prohibiting ASUO from hosting events during that time” in the future. Considering this is the second year NASU has had to fight over the placement of the concert, AND the fact that ASUO is increasingly unresponsive and filled with false representatives, it is unlikely we will see that change without having to further fight for it. The statement is as follows:

“Dear Native American Student Union and Indigenous Community members, On behalf of all the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, we deeply apologize for yet again scheduling the ASUO Spring Concert on the first day of the 56th Annual Mother's Day Powwow. As student government representatives, we recognize this decision caused direct harm and that we have failed to center your voice. While we are deeply sorry, we are very aware that these words will mean nothing until this organization takes action to restore trust.

We are actively working with the agency to cancel the spring concert. We will have more information early next week. That being said, we understand this hurt has been happening for years and that canceling the concert does not erase that. We know that this must be the start of significant change. The formation of the working group during Wednesday's Senate Meeting, including both NASU members and ASUO officers, begins the creation of the resolution, "Protect the Powwow." This resolution will ensure the security of Mother's Day weekend by prohibiting ASUO from hosting events during that time.

During Spring Term, a committee consisting of representatives from cultural organizations and ASUO officers from both branches will be formed and institutionalized within ASUO governing documents. The goal of this committee is to systemize consistent communication and transparency. We want to thank the students who came and shared their stories, perspectives, and experiences with us. The pain we saw and heard will sit with us in reflection not only for the remainder of our term but throughout our lives.
Sincerely, Chloé Webster ASUO President”