James Riding In, an ASU associate professor of American Indian studies and justice studies, recently became the editor of a scholarly journal that moved to ASU.
Riding In will oversee the Wicazo Sa Review, a journal originally published at Eastern Washington University that examines the American Indian history and its relationship to the present while discussing issues such as the struggle for land.
"The journal has been looking for an academic home," Riding In said. "What we want to do is have something that opens up the dialogue for American Indian issues."
Founded in 1984 by Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, a visiting professor of American Indian studies, the Wicazo Sa Review transferred to ASU because it wasn't getting enough support from EWU, Riding In said.
"[Cook-Lynn] asked if I was interested," Riding In said. "I feel I've been involved in issues as a scholar and an activist, and I felt like my background would give me a good chance [at being editor]."
Riding In, a Pawnee from Oklahoma, said he already has plans to expand the journal from a biannual to a quarterly publication. ASU administration and the American Indian studies department provided the journal with computers and space in the architecture building.
"The University has been supportive of the move," Riding In said. "Those features will help balance editing and teaching."
He said the first issue published at ASU is due out soon, and a special fall edition will tackle a controversial topic among American Indians - the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
"It was an incident of U.S. expedition to the West, taking away of Indian land and resources," Riding In said. "It is a time for us to reflect and for all Americans to reflect; there's another side to the story."
American Indian studies at ASU became a bachelor's degree program in 2001 by the Arizona Board of Regents after being accommodated in the School of Justice Studies as a certificate program. So far, 16 ASU students have graduated with a degree in American Indian studies, and currently 200 students are enrolled in its courses.
"We're delighted that [Riding In] has this opportunity, and it's a great honor for the University and Justice Studies stand to benefit from these developments as well," said Marie Provine, School of Justice Studies director.
The journal will be available at Hayden Library and by subscription.
What do you think about Riding In's editorship? Post your opinion in the forum below.
Reach the reporter at sarah.muench@asu.edu.
