Our conversation with Blair Powless at the Dovetail concludes with a dive into something Blair calls The Continuous Conversation. He makes references to Western Academic Tradition, and here, “Western” specifically refers to culture and tradition that originated in Europe and spread around the world, definitely to places like the U.S. As a person of Native heritage, Blair also argues that oral Storytelling practices of Native peoples are a largely unrecognized contribution to the Conversation. In this episode, Blair challenges us:

1. To consider ourselves, even as first year college students, to be entering that conversation.

2. To recognize that the oral traditions of Native peoples should also be considered part of that conversation.

3. To memorize a poem. Sometimes it can happen when we’re not even trying.

You may notice that I botched my recitation of “The Red Wheelbarrow.” Apologies to William Carlos Williams. My audio skills in repairing it are weak. Except for that part, listen in.