Indigenous Studies

The Indigenous Studies program focuses on Indigenous history, culture and tribal sovereignty and fosters communication and cooperation among people in our region. As a student in this program, you’ll experience the rich, diverse perspectives that make up the field of Native American and Indigenous Studies and facilitate access for Indigenous people to higher education.

Subjects covered include: tribal sovereignty and self-determination; the histories of Indigenous in Wisconsin and the United States; Ojibwe language, Indigenous art, literature, and film; global Indigenous histories; and contemporary issues in Indigenous society.

Experiential Learning

This program emphasizes Academic-Service Learning in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations.

Innovative Curriculum

An innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum provides a strong overview of Indigenous Studies while enabling you to pursue specific areas of interest.

Supportive Environment

Small class sizes provide a supportive environment where you will benefit from close relationships with other students and instructors.

What You’ll Learn

Learning objectives prepare you for a variety of fields that require global awareness and intercultural fluency. You will:

• Experience academic service-learning projects that incorporate hands-on learning, skill building and partnerships with tribal organizations and local community members
• Recognize and develop an understanding of Indigenous perspectives
• Build a sense of responsibility and work ethic through teaching, research and learning processes that benefit Indigenous communities
• Learn to think critically about historical injustices towards Indigenous people, settler colonialism and racism and how it structures our society and relationships

Program Outcomes/Career Opportunities

You can take your education in Indigenous Studies and apply your experiences and skills to careers in a variety of areas, such as:

• Education (many states now require that teachers incorporate Native American history, culture and tribal sovereignty into their curriculum)
• Federal, state and Tribal organizations
• Environmental organizations and the state and national park systems
• Health and social services
• Law and politics
• Graduate study in fields such as history, anthropology, language, literature, American studies, museum studies and library science