Tempest in a Teepee at SBCC

A wooden teepee erected Wednesday, March 4, as part of a Santa Barbara City College art project was dismantled the following Monday after Native American students complained to school administrators, prompting a vigorous discussion about cultural appropriation and freedom of expression.

Second-year student Eric Heras, who is of Apache descent, argued the teepee contributed to a long tradition of negative stereotypes of native people. “I was shocked because I didn’t think anyone would be dumb enough to do that or ignorant enough to do that,” he said. Heras got in touch with area American Indian Movement (AIM) representatives, who also contacted SBCC staff.

“Having our native culture used for playtime and dress-up places an image of a fairytale fantasy, which results in believing natives cease to exist,” student Laina Godinez told Native News Online.