USD student filmmakers unveiled a seven-point strategic plan to improve Native American representation at USD Monday evening in Farber Hall.
Filmed by students in the fall semester’s American Indian Women’s Activism class, the documentary “Everybody Belongs ... Out of the Basement” critiqued the placement of the American Indian Studies program in the basement of Dakota Hall and detailed some of the environmental issues that are present within the building.
Graduate student Leya Hale introduced the project and said the filmmakers were inspired by the grassroots movements they learned about in the activism class.
“We really wanted our project to impact communities ... and make a positive change for future students,” Hale said.
The project was inspired by a letter to the editor graduate student Nick Estes wrote to The Volante on the subject of moving the AIS program out of the basement of Dakota Hall, Hale said.
The documentary included interviews with AIS staff, majors and graduate assistants, as well as USD administrators, who discussed the importance of moving the program to its own space, and securing adequate facilities for the South Dakota Oral History Center, which contains more than 5,400 recorded interviews of South Dakotans who recall the state’s early history.
The film also showcased the health hazards of the basement of Dakota Hall, including footage of black mold within the building. The filmmakers did their own testing and found a range of molds which could be hazardous to human health. After their filming, the filmmakers said the mold was later covered up by spray paint.
Freshman Josie Stone said the presence of mold in the AIS facilities was not surprising.
“Being Native American, it’s normal to us,” Stone said. “But seeing it up there (on the screen) was eye-opening. I just think it’s ridiculous.”
Junior Morgan Catlett said the students chose the film medium to present their findings because it had a greater impact.
“If we show you the mold, it speaks to you (more than telling you about it),” she said.
After the viewing of the documentary, the students also presented a seven-point plan of action for Native students at USD to show to university administrators. Those at the presentation could sign and support the plan.
The plan includes:
−Protecting the integrity of Native representation on campus
−Tuition waivers for Native students
−Adequate and up-to-date facilities for Native students
−An effective requirement plan which includes articulation agreements with tribal colleges, and high school outreach programs
−Protecting and preserving the integrity of the American Indian Studies Department
−Native advisory committee at the administrative level
−Cultural competency courses
Hale said she was glad to see a “full range” of people at
the presentation.
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