Colby Community College criminal justice instructor and anthropologist Dr. Linda Davis-Stephens recently participated in a panel that presented to the World Anthropological Union Congress in Johannesburg, South Africa.  The event, organized by Anthropology Southern Africa, focused on the theme Reimagining Anthropological Knowledge: Perspectives, Practices, and Power.

Via Zoom videoconferencing, Dr. Davis-Stephens presented her paper, Cheyenne Action Anthropology: An Archeology of Mind. She discussed her fieldwork with the Southern Cheyenne-Tsististas and emphasized the need for human dignity, cultural resilience, and the connections between people, places, and history. She also highlighted the importance of action anthropology, a discipline rooted in working with communities to preserve cultural integrity while addressing modern challenges.

“The nature of action anthropology is to see ourselves as a benevolent part of the planet and to work with people to maintain this integrity,” she said. “Action anthropology is about change and continuity.”

Her article addresses the ongoing impact of historical traumas, such as the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, and the impact political decisions have had on Cheyenne descendants.

“Cheyenne action anthropology is the longest-running project of its kind,” she writes. “The success of its duration comes from a long-standing tradition. Cheyenne existence comes from their ancestral lands and is guided by Cheyenne laws. The Cheyenne way allows for change and the flexibility to adjust to divergence. This is Tsistsistas' integrity.”

Dr. Davis-Stephens explained how she brings her lessons into the classroom with the intention of engaging students to view history and culture through a global lens.

For more information on her research, contact Dr. Linda Davis-Stephens at linda.davis-stephens@colbycc.edu.