Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Native American and Indigenous studies is a multidisciplinary area that draws on history, anthropology, legal studies, literature, gender/sexuality research, and other fields to explore modern Indigenous experiences. Through coursework and scholarship, learners investigate Native American and Indigenous identities, traditions, governance, historical narratives, and cultural expressions across time periods. The curriculum emphasizes the distinctive status of Indigenous groups within legal frameworks while addressing diverse challenges faced by U.S. Native communities, ranging from linguistic preservation to environmental concerns and economic growth.
This academic discipline fosters meaningful relationships with Native populations, contributing significantly to tribal nation-building efforts. Many Americans possess only superficial knowledge about tribal governance systems and their interaction with other political structures, with even fewer considering how restricted tribal sovereignty reflects on broader democratic principles. In regions with multiple federally recognized tribes and Native populations exceeding national averages, this knowledge becomes essential for aspiring professionals across all sectors.