Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Records
Title
American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program Records
Date(s)
- 1992-2010, undated (Creation)
Extent
2.84 linear feet [2 document cases, 2 record boxes]
Name of creator
Administrative history
The American Indian and Indigenous Studies program is designed to provide students with a broadened knowledge of Indigenous values and communities in the United States. The program focuses on the past and present understanding of Indigenous people with an emphasis on making a better future for Indigenous people and this program. Course in this program focus on Indigenous histories, languages, arts, issues, sovereignty, contemporary situations. Being a small program, students can identify their interest and do undergraduate research on topics that interest them. Students that complete the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program will receive a Bachelors of Arts Degree and can go on serve Indigenous people in tribal or federal agencies. Studying Indigenous experiences promotes understanding of Indigenous culture and helps respond to the need for multicultural awareness. In 1994 the minor changed names to the American Indian Studies minor, which is the same year Lakota language courses were starting to be offered. In 2013, South Dakota State University started offering a Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies under the American Indian Studies program. The major and minor still work to provide a more well-rounded understanding of American Indian experiences. In 2021, the programs name was changed to the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program under the current American Indian Studies coordinator Mark Freeland.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This collection is composed mainly of material pertaining to the American Indian History Conference. This conference, first organized in 1992, focuses on Native American History Conference that brings American Indian speakers, artists and performers to the South Dakota State University campus for the purpose of better educating the student body, faculty and community about Native American cultures. Because this conference receives support from various parts of the university, the decision was made by the processor to place this material with the American Indian Studies Program records. Folders includes minutes, correspondence, planning documents and materials, funding materials, a list of participants, a coordinator to-do list, and CDs. A historical overview of the conference written by Dr. David Crain who served as coordinator from 1993-2007.
The collection also includes materials on the annual Consider the Century Programs. Materials include posters, CDs, and video recordings of the programs. Also included is a small amount of material dealing with the American Indian Studies Program curriculum. Folders include a syllabus for the Introduction to American Indian Studies course and a poster advertising service-learning summer program opportunities.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
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