Oral History Interview with Michael Dunn

Partial Transcript: "Tell me about yourself, first."

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that both of his parents were raised in Virginia, and both moved to Kentucky with their respective families. Dunn explains that he discovered his Native heritage in Northern Ohio. He tells the story about learning about his Native American heritage from his mother when he was nine years old. Both of his parents have a direct link to Pocahontas.



Dunn discusses a spiritual experience he had while serving the United States Army with operation Desert Storm in the Saudi Arabian Desert.



He also talks about his teaching career, and how he shares his spirituality with his students.

Keywords: Desert Storm

Subjects: Saudi Arabia; United States. Army.

Partial Transcript: "When you spoke of your father passing on, a world view, and how to deal with people from a Native perspective...'This is the way our people do it,' specifically talking about Native people."

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that when his father would teach him things, he would say, "Your grandmother or your grandfather always told us this." Both of those grandparents that his father was referring to, have Native American Ancestry. Dunn is not sure that this worldly advice is tied directly to the "Native American Way," or if it is simply that those individuals in his family were the best at giving advice.



Dunn goes on to speak about his siblings. He states that his brother works in a casino in Red Wing, Minnesota. His brother has worked on many reservations, and the casino where he is currently working is on a reservation. Dunn states that his sister does not completely understand her heritage, but is actively trying to seek out information to discover more about who she is.

Keywords: Red Wing, Minnesota

Subjects: Casino; FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Parenting / Fatherhood.

Partial Transcript: "When you speak of going back to the 'Old Ways'...How do you figure out where things come from?"

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that when he returned from Desert Storm, he talked to elders from multiple tribes, so that he could learn. He feels particularly called to Cherokee culture and traditions. He speaks about an experience while visiting Cherokee, North Carolina. Dunn states that this area just felt like home to him.

Subjects: Cherokee

Partial Transcript: "Within Kentucky's History, and the information that has come through the Commission (Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission), how do you feel about the disparity between federally and state-recognized people... Does it matter whether you are recognized by somebody or not?"

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that it is all about an identity. He teaches middle school, and those children are all trying to figure out who they are, but many people do not want to teach - so how can others learn? He states that some tribes worry that if they are federally recognized, it will seem as if they only care about the money. Dunn believes that all tribes have the same core beliefs, they only differ in terms of ceremony and presentation.



Dunn discusses his personal experience with owning his Native American Identity - he states he is proud of who he is. He describes some of the rituals he performs in his daily life.



He describes a place in Carrollton, Kentucky where Powwows would be held. He states that he would go up on the hill above the Powwow grounds, and he felt really at peace in this place.



Dunn discusses how and when he will pass on the Native traditions to his children.



He also expands on his time in the military and how that led him to discover more about his Native heritage.

Keywords: Carrollton (Ky.); Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission

Subjects: Pow wows

Partial Transcript: "What about the more every-day foods, or music, or ways of doing things that you recognize your father and grandfather doing, was any of that connected to Native tradition?"

Segment Synopsis: Dunn discusses that he grew up only eating Native foods. His mother gardened, and she planted and harvested by the changing of the moon - which is a Native tradition. He attempts to transfer this knowledge about food and gardening in a Native way to his family and his students.

Partial Transcript: "You're looking at me with big blue eyes, and blonde hair. How do you respond to people who say, 'You're not Native, you don't look Native.'?"

Segment Synopsis: He states that the way you look, does not define your identity. He talks about the differences between genetic traits and racial traits.



He speaks about his relationships with his students, and how he is able to speak about his Native heritage with them and sometimes is able to help them connect with their own heritage whether it is Native, or not.

Partial Transcript: "When you were asked if you would accept and appointment to the Commission, do you feel like the timing was right for you?"

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that he will do anything he can to further the mission of the Commission.



Dunn discusses further how he shares his Native heritage through stories, folktales, and myths.



He describes how to stay true to the "old ways" in today's modern society. He states that his father always to told him to keep things simple and humble, and that is how he believes he can keep true to those traditions. Dunn comments that one would be foolish not to adapt to the modern era with technological advancements, because you are better able to reach out and connect with more people through modern technology.

Keywords: Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission

Partial Transcript: Dunn and Brown (interviewer) discuss what aspects of Dunn's Native heritage he is most interested in.

Segment Synopsis: Dunn states that he has never been interested in the art or craft work of his Native heritage. He explains that he is interested in the ceremonies and the spiritual aspect of the tradition.



Dunn offers some final thoughts about Native heritage. He states that it does not matter how much Native blood you have, "if you are Native, you are Native." He expresses that he believes the Native community is their own worst enemy.