Native American Studies at NMU

The mission of the Center for Native American Studies is to enrich the knowledge and understanding of the indigenous peoples of North America from a Native American perspective.  This is indeed a difficult mission not only because the indigenous peoples of the United States were subjected to genocide, but also because the survivors were then confronted with a definition of whom they were by the colonizers, a further act of destruction.  Thus, the articulation of which Native American people are from a native perspective is an empowering act.  The mission of the center is to provide an academic setting where Native American history, culture, and current issues can be viewed from multiple lenses.  Articulation, re-articulation and creation of Native American identity can be addressed from a Native American perspective within the center.  The mission of the center is one where false images, stereotypes, inaccurate myths, distortions as well as facts can be presented in an academic forum to develop a language of understanding between people who are different.

Native American Studies Minor

The Native American Studies minor examines the contemporary and historical experiences and ways of life of the indigenous people of North America from their perspective.  The curriculum is designed to provide a study of Native American issues from a holistic and humanistic viewpoint by focusing upon their cultural, historical, and contemporary life.  The courses are designed for both Native American and non-Native American students so they can better understand human similarities and differences as well as recognize the contributions that Native American peoples have made to the world, thereby widening the multicultural curriculum of Northern Michigan University.