Assignment 2.6 – Question #5

5. “To raise the question of ‘authenticity’ is to challenge not only the narrative but also the ‘truth’ behind Salish ways of knowing “(Carlson 59). Explain why this is so according to Carlson, and explain why it is important to recognize this point.

In his article, Carlson details how non-Indigenous people tend to dismiss Indigenous narratives and stories as they fail to fit their “criteria for historical purity” (56). In order to understand this concept, Carlson outlines the different ways in which historical accuracy is defined by Western and Salish audiences. The Western point of view sees evidence as being a key part of historical accuracy as scholars must prove the connection ‘between evidence and interpretation” or they may be accused of being dishonest in their communication of history (Carlson 57). As a result, the written, evidence-based method of conveying history is what Western society considered to be most accurate and authentic. Salish criteria for historical accuracy is instead based on the memories of previous versions of narratives, on verbal references made to the sources of the narrative, as well as family legacy and status of the teller. Western scholars face criticism if they provide inaccurate historical accounts, and Salish people who convey “poor history” also face a loss of status and reputation as they will no longer be invited to tell their stories (Carlson 57). 

The difference between these two accounts of historical accuracy resulted in hurtful and destructive policies, as Carlson states that American policy makers used this dismissal of Indigenous accounts to promote “their political, economic and cultural disappearance” (58). Questioning the authenticity of Salish narratives leads to a failure to recognize that what is considered authentic for Western society is not the same as what Salish people consider to be authentic. As a result, this questioning leads to Salish culture and history being treated as unimportant by Western society. This leads to the “‘truth’ behind Salish ways of knowing“ also being questioned because by doubting the authenticity of Salish narratives, which are such an important part of Salish culture, Western society seems to disregard and question the Salish culture as a whole (Carlson 59). 

This is an important point to recognize because this inclination to dismiss Indigenous voices and narratives is evidently linked to the Western tendency to search for hard facts and evidence as a way to validate ideas or narratives. As a result, the Salish narratives that are such an important part of their history and culture are ignored or treated as fiction, which undermines the historical importance and intelligence of these narratives. This creates the opportunity for more division, prejudice and marginalization of Indigenous people. Because Western society has questioned all aspects of Indigenous history and culture, it is evident that Western society has not trusted or believed Indigenous voices. If this need to ascertain what is or is not authentic is removed, then the focus can shift to what is most important – Indigenous history, culture, language and traditions being truly valued. 

Works Cited

Carlson, Keith Thor. Orality about Literacy: The ‘Black and White’ of Salish History. Ed. Carlson, Kristina Fagna, & Natalia Khamemko-Frieson. Toronto: Uof Toronto P, 2011. 43-72.

“Explore Languages.” FirstVoices, www.firstvoices.com/explore/FV/sections/Data. 

“Historical Timeline.” Our Past Is Our Future | Sqwélqwel | Sq’éwlets – A Stó:Lō-Coast Salish Community in the Fraser River Valley, 1 Nov. 2016, digitalsqewlets.ca/sqwelqwel/past_future-passe_futur/timeline_chronologie-eng.php.