Scholar will give talk on book connecting cannabis industry to settler colonialism

LAWRENCE – An assistant professor in Native American studies from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, will give a talk this week at the Cider Gallery as part of a visit to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Yurok/Hupa/Oneida scholar Kaitlin Reed will speak about research that contributed to her book “Settler Cannabis: From Gold Rush to Green Rush in Indigenous Northern California.” The free public event will take place at 7 p.m. April 17.

Reed also will visit classes and offer a student colloquium at Haskell during her visit.

“‘Settler Cannabis: From Gold Rush to Green Rush in Indigenous Northern California’ presents a rich landscape of Native California at the intersection of environmental history, environmental justice and Native American studies,” said Melinda Adams, assistant professor of geography & atmospheric science and Indigenous studies. “Reed’s compelling contribution weaves together the beautifully complicated story of Indigenous survivance through various iterations of colonization, environmental destruction and attempted genocide. The book and Dr. Reed’s scholarship overall offers significant pedagogy and inspires more scholarship that centers and uplifts Indigenous peoples in the West and beyond.”

Reed’s research centers Northern California and the effects of settler colonial political economies on tribal land and water rights. Her book illustrates the consequential links between extractive capitalism throughout the historical and ecological systems in northern California and explores the complicated relationship between the U.S. and its ability to recognize the sovereignty of Indigenous lands and bodies.

This work is related to ongoing work on the #landback movement led by Sarah Deer, distinguished professor of Indigenous studies, law, and women, gender & sexuality studies, and Ward Lyles, associate professor of urban planning in the School of Public Affairs & Administration.

Reed’s visit to Lawrence is hosted by several KU partners, including The Commons; the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging; the Indigenous Studies Program; and the Institute for Policy & Social Research Center for Compassionate and Sustainable Communities, in collaboration with Haskell.