Laura Martinez

Laura Martinez is a citizen of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas and is a third generation member of the American Indian Movement. Laura moved to Bloomington in 2001 to attend Indiana University and has both a B.A. and an M.A. in history. A lifelong David Bowie fan, Laura plays roller derby under the name Diamond Dog and has identical twin sons. Laura also has a TikTok channel, diamond_dog74, teaching about Native American history.

Posts by this contributor 4 results

Angel Mounds Historic Site, along the Ohio River just east of Evansville, was a bustling town and trading hub for Native American people during the Mississippian Culture Period, prior to European colonization. Beginning in the 1930s, the remains of 700 individuals were excavated from the site and stored at Indiana University until March 2021, when they were repatriated. | Photo by Laura Martinez

Remains of Native Americans at Rest Again at Angel Mounds

Laura Martinez

Angel Mounds, outside of Evansville, was a bustling trading hub for Native American people prior to European colonization. Historian Laura Martinez writes about the recent repatriation of the remains of 700 individuals that were excavated from the site in the 1900s — and how, even at sacred places like Angel Mounds, the spiritual practices of Native Americans are still violated. Click here to read about Angel Mounds.

July 8, 2021

Writer Laura Reagan, wearing traditional Apache dress, speaks to a group of people at Sample Gates. As Halloween approaches, consider if your costume appropriates another's culture. | Courtesy photo

Sexy or Racist? Halloween Costumes That Promote Stereotypes

Laura Martinez

When is a Halloween costume racist? Unless you’re going as a pumpkin, a zombie, or a couple’s salt and pepper shakers, you might consider the offensive message your costume is sending. Writer Laura Martinez shows why a “sexy Indian princess” costume, for example, perpetuates stereotypes and ignores the history of abuse suffered by Native Americans. Click here to read the full story.

October 17, 2017

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Standing Rock Protestors: ‘Water Is Life’

Laura Martinez

Protestors at Standing Rock in North Dakota have a simple message: “Mni Wiconi” — Water is life. Or as Laura Martinez, a Bloomington resident and citizen of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, writes, "Life cannot exist without water. We can survive without oil by investing in renewable energy, but we cannot sustain life without clean water." Click here to read the full story.