Posted on May 2 at 8:38 a.m.
It sounds like a nasty family issue turned even worse. Shame on his brother - how could you do that to family? Those are very serious allegations!
There are so many people who enroll in a tribe who weren't raised Native, just to get some government benefits or casino revenues, and don't ever even try to learn about the culture. Dr. Pierotti didn't try to extort any money out of the tribe, and he knows about his tribe and their traditions, AND he helps students. I don't see why he should be called into question when there are so many people with more devious intentions.
Posted on May 2 at 2:37 p.m.
Native wolf and Native Sis - I really enjoyed your comments :-)
You know, it really doesn't say that he has no interest in being connected to the Comanche community, it just says that he's not an enrolled tribal member. I have a lot of friends who aren't enrolled tribal members, but are still involved with their tribe. Does the board of elders know everyone in the tribe? I doubt it, there are what, 20,000 members of the Comanche tribe? He could be well-known in some circles, but you would have to find those people to interview. I've taken some classes with Dr. Pierotti, and I see him at pow-wows all the time. He is an avid supporter of Native student activities on campus. I don't think he lacks a desire to be part of the Comanche or the larger Native community.
Good point that his uncle sided with Nick, but in bad family situations people will choose sides. They say this was the result of "an ugly family tragedy." I don't know the details, but if it's ugly enough for your own brother to be making claims against you that could result in your credibility being completely destroyed, then I would imagine it's ugly enough to cause rifts all the way up the family tree.
His other brother corroborated his claims. I read the original email that Nicholas sent out (it's posted on a message board), and it's very mean and spiteful. He gives names and numbers of relatives to call, but I'm sure he only gave the names and numbers of relatives who would corroborate his story. He didn't give his brother David's number. I'm sure he wouldn't post phone numbers of relatives online unless he had spoken with them ahead of time, since they're likely to be flooded with calls.
I don't know about him being easy on students - he didn't seem easier than other professors to me. He's very intelligent, and can wax poetic on any number of topics. His tests were essay-format, and the questions required a good amount of thought and research. I don't think anyone felt like the class was easy - there was a great deal of moaning on finals week when we had to write two essays plus turn in a longer term paper! I think if you show up and do the work (like in any class), you can get a good grade.
Ok, just thought I'd add all that, since I've taken his classes :-)
Good article, Darla.
On A question of identity