s02e03: The Legacy of Kroeber, Ishi, & UC Berkeley

Challenging Colonialism

Episode 3 continues and deepens our critique of academia's extractive and complex relationship with Native California by examining the history of one of California’s most renowned and celebrated anthropologists, Alfred L. Kroeber. Kroeber helped establish the school of Anthropology at UC Berkeley, and, up until 2021, his name adorned UC Berkeley’s Kroeber Hall. This episode examines Kroeber & his legacy, the life of a Native man known as Ishi, and the renaming of Kroeber hall, from the perspectives of Indigenous Californians.

Speakers:

Dr. Cutcha Risling-Baldy (Hupa, Yurok, Karuk)

Dr. Brittani Orona (Hoopa Valley Tribe)

Mark Hylkema

Dr. Samuel J. Redman

Cindi Alvitre (Tongva, co-founder of the Ti'at Society)

Alexii Sigona (Amah Mutsun Tribal Band)

Dr. Vanessa Esquivido (Nor Rel Muk Wintu, also Hupa and Xicana)

Additional reading:

We are Dancing for You, by Cutcha Risling Baldy

Ishi's Brain: In Search of Americas Last "Wild" Indian, by Orin Starn

“Alfred Kroeber’s Handbook and Land Claims: Anthros, Agents, and Federal (Un)Acknowledgment in Native California,” by Nicholas Barron

A Top UC Berkeley Professor Taught With Remains That May Include Dozens of Native Americans, ProPublica article, March 5th, 2023.

Alfred Kroeber and his Relations with California Indians, by Dr. Nancy Scheper-Hughes, July 24, 2020.

Grave robbing at UC Berkeley: A history of failed repatriation, Sage Alexander, December 5, 2020.

L.A. Times Editorial: ​​The real way UC Berkeley can make up for disrespect toward Native Americans, January 31, 2021.

Challenging Colonialism is produced by Daniel Stonebloom & Martin Rizzo-Martinez. All interviews by Martin, all audio engineering and editing by Daniel. All music by G. Gonzales.

This podcast is produced with support from California State Parks Foundation.