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Indigenous Academic Pathways

Indigenous Academic Pathways 

The Indigenous Academic Pathways program serves undergraduate students interested in developing a grounding in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Indigenous Research (IR) Methods as they begin their journey at Northwestern. Over the course of four days, students will engage with Indigenous faculty and scholars to learn about exciting research taking place on campus and communities, and to develop an intellectual foundation in Indigenous knowledge systems and Indigenous research methods. 

This program will support students to explore intersections of IKS and IR in whatever majors or areas of study students are interested in. Students will learn about cutting edge research being conducted by faculty and the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research across a range of disciplines (e.g. Engineering, Psychology, Community Health, History, Anthropology, Education, and more) and opportunities to engage scholarship focused on Indigenous communities and research that is partnered with Indigenous communities. Students will also engage and widen kinship circles with the Indigenous community on campus and throughout the Chicagoland region.

The program aims to support students to:
  1. Develop an intellectual grounding in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Indigenous Research Methods.
  2. Explore how to engage Indigenous knowledge systems and research methods to a range of disciplines and academic programs at Northwestern. 
  3. Learn about exciting research opportunities at Northwestern and how academic research contributes to tribal communities.
  4. Enhance academic skills like academic reading, writing, and presenting.
  5. Connect with Indigenous community, students, faculty, and staff at Northwestern and in the broader Chicagoland area.
Session throughout program may include:

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (woven throughout), Indigenous Methods (woven throughout), Visits with Elder-in-Residence, Panel of Indigenous research on campus, Native American and Indigenous Studies minor presentation, Research opportunities with the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research, Indigenous Professor Talks, Panel with local Indigenous leaders, Visits to local Indigenous community organizations, Kinship building, Student presentations, and more!

Participation in the Indigenous Academic Pathways program is free, including housing, meals, workshops, excursions, and social opportunities. Students will move into their permanent residence hall at the start of the program.

Staff & Faculty
Important Dates 
Eligibility 

Indigenous Academic Pathways is open to incoming, undergraduate students (Class of 2029) and rising sophomores (Class of 2028).   Students must commit to being present for the entire program. Participation in other pre-orientation programs that overlap with Indigenous Academic Pathways isn’t allowed.

How can I Participate?

To apply for the program, please submit your application here: https://sesp.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6rIMNzoou0TLhrM

 

Questions?

Contact Aaron Golding at aaron.golding@northwestern.edu

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