Name Jacqueline Keeler | ||
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Feel Like You Belong – Jacqueline Keeler, Part 1
Jacqueline Keeler is a writer and activist of Dineh and Yankton Dakota heritage.
Contents
Early life and education
Keeler was born in Cleveland, Ohio to parents who had been moved there as part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian relocation programs of the 1950s and 1960s; currently residing in Portland, Oregon. She is also a graduate of Dartmouth College and has written about recent events there regarding the Native American Program.
Career and activism
Keeler's articles have been widely quoted and published
Much of her writing has coincided with her activism. Keeler co-founded Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry, which seeks to end the use of racial groups as mascots, as well as other stereotypical representations in popular culture, and cultural appropriation. Keeler wrote "'Native Mascotry' is a term I coined to describe the practices that surround a Native mascot. It’s not just about the static image of the mascot, be it somewhat noble and prosaic or an ugly caricature with a feather on top. It’s the creative license such mascots gives fans to reenact outdated stereotypes, to 'play Indian.' These practices include: the wearing of Redface, the misuse of Native regalia and the chanting of fake, hokey war chants and tomahawk chops." Keeler has been interviewed by various media outlets about the topics of racial stereotypes.
Her activism also extends to issues of abortion, traditional native values and Indigenous rights, and issues of Indigenous sovereignty.