Professor Eric Cheyfitz explored a number of interesting topics during the Becker-Rose Café lecture. He discussed a number of issues relating to land ownership and the forcible removal of Indians including events that transpired on Cornell’s land. I find it deplorable that Cornell refused to acknowledge its taking of Indian land, regardless of the potential legal, political, or reputation ramifications. Professor Chayfitz brought to my attention what he described as a mass ongoing genocide of Indians. He denoted that the government’s forceful removal, withholding of vital vaccines, and other intervention efforts has killed off a great deal of the population.

While discussing his study of interest on Native American literature and federal Indian law, he mentioned several interesting remarks about native rights in South America. I found his numbers on the world’s population consisting of 300 million indigenous people, especially Bolivia’s makeup staggering 60% natives, to be very alarming that many nations do not recognize their influence. I certainly will nod to his claim that the education system as a whole does not provide students a thorough foundation of Indian history and the natives’ associated grievances.

In some ways, I feel cheated that I was not taught a great deal about Indian History. As such, as I continue my studies here at Cornell I hope to enroll in one of Professor Cheyfitz’s courses and/or other American Indian Studies courses alike.

Prior to attending this event, I did research Professor Cheyfitz’s other academic interests and pursuits. I found his personal involvement outside of the classroom to be very impressive. As such, I wish Professor Cheyfitz talked more about his work on Indian preservations and some of the legal testimonies in more detail. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture and look forward to hearing from Professor Cheyfitz again.