Skeptical Briefs — Native Skeptic
Wisdom from the Origins Conference
by Noah Nez
Volume 22.3, Fall 2012
Native Skeptic
A quick search on the background of some of the speakers and sponsors reveals much of the same brand of pseudoscience that is found permeating through the entire institute, its offered programs, and the Wisdoms of the Origins conference.
Geronimo’s Hair
by Noah Nez
Volume 22.2, Summer 2012
Native Skeptic
While there might be some variability in the details regarding the reasons for long hair from tribe to tribe, there is one major component that has remained consistent: long hair has never been about aesthetics but instead is a religious concern.
Skinwalkers
by Noah Nez
Volume 22.1, Spring 2012
Native Skeptic
There is little documented information about the details of “witchcraft” among the Najavo—or Diné, as they call themselves. What is relatively well known is their term “Skinwalker,” or “yee naaldlooshii,” which means, “with it, he goes on all fours.” This is a reference to the special ability to transform into a four-legged animal.
Thunderbirds
by Noah Nez
Volume 21.4, Winter 2011-2012
Native Skeptic
Some attempt to correlate the various stories from different tribes of indigenous people into modern Thunderbird sightings. However, when one looks a little more critically at these legends, it is clear they serve a much different purpose.
