Weaving culture: The many dimensions of the Yup’ik Eskimo mingqaaq

Il est courant de penser que les arts dits touristiques sont considérablement simplifiés et moins étroitement liés aux cultures autochtones qui les ont produits que les formes d’art «traditionnel». Dans cet article, je soutiens que le panier en colombin (mingqaaq) des Yupiit, une forme d’art qui s’est développée pour être spécifiquement vendue aux étrangers, est en fait étroitement lié à la culture yup’ik d’aujourd’hui par le biais de l’usage de certaines matières premières (joncs de plage ou de seigle et boyaux de mammifère marin). Son apparition récente sur divers supports médiatiques à travers l’Alaska—sur la couverture du bottin téléphonique, comme logo d’une société autochtone, comme accessoire de podium à côté d’un leader autochtone défendant la cause des activités de subsistance pour n’en nommer que certains—suggère que le mingqaaq, la forme d’art yup’ik la plus largement vendue aujourd’hui, a peut-être embrassé le rôle de symbole politique dans le débat très controversé du droit à la subsistance des Autochtones d’Alaska.As a general rule, so-called tourist arts are thought of as greatly simplified and less closely tied to the indigenous cultures that make “traditional” art forms. In this article, I argue that the Yup’ik Eskimo coiled basket (mingqaaq), an art form developed specifically for sale to outsiders, is in fact closely connected to modern Yup’ik culture through its use of raw materials (beach, or rye grass and sea-mammal intestine). Its recent appearance around Alaska in various media—on a telephone book cover, in a logo for a Native Corporation, and as a stage prop on the podium beside a Native leader arguing the subsistence cause, to name a few—suggests that the mingqaaq, the most widely sold Yup’ik art form today, may have taken on the role of political symbol for the highly contentious issue of Alaska Native subsistence rights

Creating am Inclusive Media Center for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this research is to investigate how school librarians can help support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The research questions that were addressed in this paper are: 1. What strategies can library media specialists use to make the school library environment inclusive for students with autism spectrum disorder? 2. How can librarians help reduce student anxiety when entering the library? The methods used for this research was an evaluation of selected research articles that were collected from EbscoHost, the Illinois Library Association, School Library Journal, and Google Scholar. Keywords and phrases that were used for this research were “Autism Spectrum Disorder and libraries”, “Autism and school libraries” and “librarians and patrons with autism”. Research was scarce of this subject. The results show the importance of having a spaced that was universally designed to support all learners with thoughtful consideration to lighting, the physical space and clear signage. Having library staff that was trained with assistive technology and communication skills was also significant in the findings. Having a media program that was inclusive was also pivotal. The research also shows a strong need for professional development opportunities for all media center staff on how to best support a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the media center. The concluded results of the analysis of research available affirms the importance of having a school media center that is inclusive to all students by having a trained Library Media Specialist on staff that has a range of skills to help create an environment that is supportive to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Secure Milk and Secure Beef Supply Plans- Role of the Veterinarian

Veterinarians have a tremendous responsibility— and opportunity— to help their clients prepare for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. While eradication of FMD, should it occur in the U.S., is the ultimate goal, the old approach to FMD response— massive depopulation— is no longer workable except in a small outbreak. The size, structure, efficiency and extensive movement in cattle production will likely require alternative response options to manage disease spread, such as vaccination and allowing animals to recover

Reblogging Gender: Non-Binary Transgender Subjectivities and the Internet

This thesis is an examination of non-binary transgender communities on the internet and the new, non-binary modes of subjectivity that can be read within these spaces. After my first introductory chapter, which situates my work in the context of previous contributions to transgender theory, I approach non-binary online communities from different perspectives. My second chapter reads certain codes of communication within non-binary friendly online spaces (such as Tumblr) as a form of neo-Dadaism, as well as cyborgian manifestations. My third chapter contends with the interactions of non-binary online communities within a society structured by neo-liberal institutional capitalism. My fourth and final chapter looks more closely at transgender coherence and how non-binary individuals use the technologies of social media (such as selfies) to write more compatible personal narratives of embodied gender expression. My goal is to legitimise and emphasise the accessibility and transformative power of these non-binary communities within online spaces

South Valley Incorporation Feasibility Study (revised)

Determining the financial feasibility of a South Valley municipality requires developing estimates of the revenues that might be raised, and this in turn requires a careful reading of NM statutes to see what the city may be entitled to and what authority it has under state law, as well as estimating the tax bases and the levels of activity against which fees and charges for services will be assessed. It is also critical to determine how much it will cost to provide various municipal services to the South Valley. This study focuses on the costs and revenues associated with operating a municipal government and with identifying and estimating recurring revenues that may be used to meet on-going expenditures

Options for Funding Local Library Operations (including Collections) in New Mexico

A study of operating funding options for the 93 local libraries within the New Mexico State Library system, which includes public libraries run by municipalities, counties, non-profit organizations, and Native American tribes. With many libraries having experienced decreasing operating funds since 2007, the authors review several options for funding local library operations, including increased State Library assistance; increased use of GO bonds; increased funding from counties and municipalities; establishing library districts; establishing Quality of Life districts; and collaboration between libraries and arts or cultural organizations. The report is illustrated with tables and graphs; appendices include information on the New Mexico anti-donation clause, a graph with a model for a library district in New York, and references