Canceling Jackson Clark II’s Life-long Learning lecture, “Saving Navajo Weaving,” scheduled for April 17 was an error of judgment on FLC’s part. For FLC to state that it “upholds the free exchange of ideas” is hypocritical because it shut down Clark’s right to speak.
Indian traders (the 19th century term) were instrumental in supporting Native American crafts being successfully bought and sold to a much wider and more lucrative market. Furthermore, after the horrors of the Long Walk, when Navajos returned home in 1868, the traders provided the opportunities for weavers to make much-needed cash.
Jackson Clark, as his father and his mother before him, not only has enormous knowledge of these Indigenous arts, but he recognizes, promotes and sells only authentic American Indian art in a world of fakes, some sold elsewhere right here in Durango.
A liberal arts education, upon which FLC is modeled, requires multiple perspectives.
Stephanie Moran
Durango
