When I hear them read my language, it makes me angry at them. But then I realize that I am really angry at myself, because I cannot read my own language. And my only regret is that we did not do this sooner. I came away from that tour having been reminded of something I hope I never forget. If, as a non-Native researcher, I work without community involvement, I take away authorship, undercut ownership.
Collaboration is much more than a matter of respect.
An outsider s exhibition, however accurate, runs the risk of putting Alaska Natives at arms length from the objects of their past. The last lesson, then, is about ownership. I smile when I think how many feel that this exhibition is theirs. The Anchorage Museum is rightfully proud of their exhibition. And I m proud, too.