Students, faculty come together to honor Indigenous authors

Sigma Tau Delta celebrated Indigenous voices in literature by holding an Indigenous Peoples Read-In last Wednesday afternoon in Smith Hall 267.   

This was the English Honor Society’s first ever Indigenous Peoples Read-In. Students and faculty members were all invited to attend.  

“I thought the read-in was a great way to bring attention to Indigenous writers,” said Emma Arnold, a junior English education major from Slocomb, Alabama. “I feel like that's a pretty marginalized group in society.  

“We don't really see a lot of Indigenous voices in education, so I think it's really important to allow those people a space to have their voices heard and really learn about different cultures. I think that's a great way to connect as people, so this is a great way to do that.” 

The event started out with sharing the history behind Indigenous cultures and stories through a slideshow presentation. 

Guests were then invited to step to the front of the classroom to share passages and poems from a variety of Indigenous authors with those in attendance.  

“Indigenous voices are so important for so many reasons,” said Katelyn Schuler, a lecturer in the English department, who shared a few opening words and read ‘Why I Am a Pagan’ from Zitkala-Sa. “So many of the themes and the stories that we hear in these pieces are made more powerful when you know the history behind them.  

“Just read something. Read everything, and read from more than just your backyard. Read from every culture, creed that you can find and just get a better understanding for your brothers and sisters around you.” 

A few focuses of these passages and stories were people, animals, dreams, heartbreak, goals, happiness, perseverance, kindness and passion. 

Throughout the read-in, guests were also able to ask questions and discuss their thoughts on the passages and poems that were shared. 

“I talked about ‘Where Mountain Lion Lay Down with Deer’ by Leslie Marmon Silko because I love the way Leslie Marmon Silko writes the details she puts into her work, and she is just an amazing Indigenous author,” said Sigma Tau Delta’s Public Relations Alivia Radovich, a senior English major from Geneva, Alabama. “Sigma Tau Delta really does try to put on read-ins at least once every month, so this was our last read-in of the semester, but we have a lot more planned for next semester.” 

To stay up to date with the organization’s next events, visit @troysigmataudelta on Instagram.