We speak with Dr. Rita Laws about connections between vegetarianism and Native Americans. Dr. Laws, who is Choctaw and Cherokee, will provide a historical analysis of hunting and colonialism, along with an examination of some Native American traditional views on non-human animals.
Dr. Laws has been vegetarian since 1979. In 1974 she witnessed the slaughter of a lamb in front of a mother sheep, and the experience strongly influenced her choice to become vegetarian. At the same time, she also learned about the “tens of thousands of kids in foster care [who] are waiting for permanency” and she became a special needs adoption activist. She has written several books and articles about domestic adoption and children with special needs. She is currently revising a book she wrote last year about Indian Peace Medals, which signify lasting friendship and peace.
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Here is Dr. Laws’ article Returning to the Corn: http://www.ivu.org/history/native_americans.html
