Native American and Indigenous Studies

Chair: Majel Boxer
Email: Boxer_M@fortlewis.edu

Professor - Kathleen S. Fine-Dare
Assistant Professor - Majel Boxer

Native American and Indigenous Studies offers an interdisciplinary, comparative, and ultimately transformative approach to the study of the historical, political, social, and on-going experiences of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Indigenous people within the United States and in the global community

Students will gain an understanding of Indigenous philosophies which ground the field and knowledge of tribal governance and sovereignty, cultural revitalization and continuance, economic development, creative and expressive arts and in the employment of appropriate and relevant research benefitting Native and Indigenous communities. Additionally, the major connects the historic and contemporary experiences of Native Americans and Alaska Natives to the experiences of Indigenous peoples beyond the U.S. through a critical examination of colonialism and the manner in which Indigenous people the world over have countered, resisted, and struggled for justice.

The NAIS degree as a primary or secondary major and its minor are appropriate for the many careers in or near Indigenous communities, in Native-serving institutions, or in graduate studies. The unique conditions created by the long history of U.S.—Indian affairs and the present policies of self-determination warrant this distinct field of study.

Students who major in Native American and Indigenous Studies will be required to take a minimum of 45 credits, including the required core courses and at least two courses from each of the three conceptual distribution areas listed within the major requirements. At least 27 credits must be numbered 300 or above.

All NAIS majors (regardless of catalog year) may follow the new double major policy of 27 discrete credits in each major. They may also overlap one course between a major and minor. This aligns with the overall collage policy for major/minor duplication.

A minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies is available to students majoring in other disciplines.

Majors and Minors in Native American and Indigenous Studies:

Native American and Indigenous Studies Major

Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor