About the Program

Since the 1970s, universities and colleges nationwide have found in Native American Studies a powerful source of campus diversity, student and faculty recruitment, and education and research on Indigenous peoples.  Rich in Indigenous history, neighboring today’s Native American communities, and resting at the heart of the continent, the University of Arkansas is a leading source for Native American Studies.  The Indigenous Studies Program at the University of Arkansas draws on these local strengths, shared histories, and tribal resources to attract Native American students and faculty, build diversity, and enrich curriculum and research.  All the while the program seeks connection, exchange, and service to Indigenous communities.

Though the Indigenous Studies Program is new, for years Native American studies have been underway at the University of Arkansas.  At present over a dozen faculty members together offer over thirty courses in the field.  To streamline this curriculum, promote faculty exchange on research and teaching, and better to recognize students who wish to focus on Indigenous peoples, we offer a minor in Indigenous Studies.

The minor in Indigenous Studies is overseen by a director and an interdisciplinary committee of faculty members who work in Indigenous Studies.