Love Over Law
Photograph of portrait of a recently married Mojave Indian couple, ca. 1900.
The Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program at UAF is excited to present a special lecture by Dr. Mary Ludwig, an Assistant Professor of History and faculty member in the WGSS program. On March 5th, Dr. Ludwig will deliver a compelling talk titled Love over Law: Indigenous Resistance to Policing Intimate Relationships on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link will be available for virtual participation. Join us from anywhere to hear Dr. Ludwig’s important insights.
In this presentation, Dr. Ludwig will explore the historical context of Indigenous resistance to the policing of intimate relationships on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. During the early 20th century, officials from the Colorado River Indian Reservation, Fort Mojave Indian School, and Colorado River Boarding School intrusively sought to control the personal lives of Indigenous peoples, enforcing settler colonial expectations on their relationships. These interventions aimed to regulate intimate lives, often punishing those who defied the imposed norms.
Despite this intense scrutiny and control, Indigenous communities, including the Mohave and Chemehuevi peoples, persistently resisted these efforts. Dr. Ludwig's research will examine how these communities navigated and contested the forces of colonial governance, ultimately asserting their own autonomy in relationships that flouted settler-imposed norms.
Dr. Ludwig's lecture is based on her research, including her dissertation "Carceral Nations: Confinement, Removal, and Policing on the Colorado River Indian Reservation," which focuses on the intersection of American carceral systems and Indigenous policy. Her work examines the deep historical roots of American carcerality and the ways it shaped the lives of Indigenous people, with a specific focus on the policing and control of intimate relationships.
This event will not only provide an insightful academic perspective on a crucial chapter of Indigenous history but also offer a moment of reflection on the ongoing legacies of settler colonialism in shaping intimate and community dynamics.
Join Us for the WGSS Meeting
Following Dr. Ludwig's lecture, the WGSS program will hold a brief meeting, providing a chance to engage with the themes discussed and network with others passionate about gender, sexuality, and social justice. The meeting will be followed by refreshments, including pizza, brownies, and drinks, offering an informal opportunity to continue the conversation.
About Dr. Mary Ludwig
Dr. Ludwig is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a faculty member in the WGSS program. Her research focuses on Indigenous history, particularly the history of the North American West. Her dissertation and ongoing scholarship examine how policies of confinement, removal, and policing were intertwined with settler colonialism on the Colorado River Indian Reservation. Dr. Ludwig’s courses encourage students to think critically about race, ethnicity, gender, and class through diverse historical perspectives and primary sources.
Get Involved with WGSS
The Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at UAF is always looking for new members to join in on discussions and initiatives surrounding gender equality, social justice, and mental health. WGSS meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month from 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM in Gruening 503H, and all students, faculty, and community members are welcome to join the conversation. Whether you’re looking to make a difference or simply connect with others who share your passions, WGSS is an inclusive space for everyone.