Native American Studies Program

The Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum dedicated to exploring the history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples across North America. Our program seeks to foster a nuanced understanding of Native American communities, their traditions, and their ongoing efforts toward sovereignty and resilience. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and community engagement, students gain critical insights into the diverse experiences of Native peoples, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in shaping American history and society. The program encourages students to analyze issues related to sovereignty, identity, environmental justice, art, and language revitalization, among others, providing a comprehensive education rooted in both academic inquiry and real-world application. Faculty members include leading scholars in Native American history, literature, politics, and culture, who bring a depth of expertise and a commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, fieldwork, and collaborations with Native communities to deepen their understanding and contribute positively to Indigenous initiatives. The program also offers mentoring, workshops, and events that promote awareness and appreciation of Native American heritage. Whether students are interested in pursuing careers in public service, education, law, or cultural preservation, the Native American Studies Program equips them with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to engage thoughtfully and effectively. By integrating traditional and contemporary modalities of scholarship, the program aims to prepare students to become informed advocates for Indigenous rights and allies of Native communities. Graduates of the program often go on to careers in academia, government policy, non-profit organizations, or community activism, carrying forward the values of respect, justice, and cultural understanding fostered through their education. With its dynamic curriculum and vibrant community, Dartmouth's Native American Studies Program remains at the forefront of Indigenous scholarship and advocacy, inspiring students to become informed and engaged citizens committed to social justice and cultural appreciation.

Native American Studies at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary and dynamic curriculum dedicated to exploring the histories, cultures, politics, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples of North America. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Native American societies through courses that integrate anthropology, history, literature, political science, and other disciplines. Students have the opportunity to examine the rich diversity of Indigenous communities, their traditions, and their ongoing struggles for sovereignty, recognition, and cultural preservation. The program emphasizes critical engagement with topics such as colonialism, resistance movements, treaty rights, and contemporary social issues, fostering analytical skills and cultural competency. Dartmouth’s Native American Studies program also encourages experiential learning through community-based projects, internships, and participation in cultural events, enhancing students’ practical understanding and appreciation of Native American identities. Faculty members are experts from a range of fields who actively conduct research that advances knowledge in Native American history, politics, and cultural studies. The program prepares students for a variety of careers in public service, education, advocacy, academia, and beyond, equipped with a nuanced perspective on Native American experiences and issues. Additionally, students can pursue minors or concentrations within the program, tailoring their education to align with their interests in Indigenous studies. Overall, Native American Studies at Dartmouth College seeks to honor and amplify Indigenous voices, promote scholarship that contributes to social justice, and foster a more inclusive understanding of North American history and culture.

Program Requirements:

The Native American Studies Program at Dartmouth College offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues facing Native American communities. To complete the major, students must satisfy a set of core and elective requirements totaling at least ten courses.

Students are required to complete a foundational course in Native American Studies, which introduces key themes, theories, and methodologies central to the discipline. Additionally, students must enroll in at least two courses that focus on indigenous history, covering periods from pre-contact times through the present. To deepen their understanding of cultural expressions, students are encouraged to take courses in Native American art, literature, and language. Courses in political science, law, and policy related to Native nations are also integral to the major, equipping students with an understanding of sovereignty and governance issues.

Elective options are broad and include courses offered across various departments such as anthropology, history, government, and environmental studies, provided they focus on Native American topics. A fieldwork or research component is typically required, often fulfilled by participating in a senior seminar, a community-based research project, or an internship that engages with Native communities or organizations.

Students are advised to consult with faculty advisors to tailor their coursework plan to their interests and career goals. The program emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and encourages study abroad programs that focus on indigenous issues or Native nations. Overall, the Native American Studies Program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural competency, and a nuanced understanding of Native American histories and contemporary issues, preparing students for careers in public policy, education, advocacy, and beyond.

Dartmouth Scholarships are need-based and are given without expectation of repayment. Amounts range from $1,000 to over $50,000, depending on our determination of your eligibility. Some Dartmouth students will be selected as recipients of one or more of our over 750 endowed scholarship funds. These awards are not additional money, but indicate that the aid already awarded will come from a specific endowed fund. No separate application is required. Students who receive scholarships from external sources can use these funds to reduce the loan and/or job portions of their financial aid packages. Veteran's benefits are included as a resource in the determination of eligibility for Dartmouth scholarship awards. Dartmouth College currently participates at 100% in the Yellow Ribbon Program which supplements GI Bill benefits. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only form required to apply for Federal Financial Aid. The federal government provides Pell Grants to students who qualify on the basis of financial need as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded by the College to the most needy students. They vary in amount but do not exceed $4,000 a year. When you apply for financial aid, your parents' country of residence will determine which documents you need to submit. Parents living outside U.S. and Canada should provide income/benefits statement from employer.

Native American Studies at Dartmouth College is an interdisciplinary program dedicated to examining the histories, cultures, politics, and contemporary issues of Indigenous peoples of North America. The program offers students comprehensive coursework that explores Indigenous sovereignty, cultural expressions, resistance movements, and the impact of colonization. Through a blend of lectures, seminars, and community engagements, students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of Native American identities and experiences.

The curriculum is designed to include courses in history, anthropology, literature, political science, and art, providing a well-rounded perspective on Indigenous issues. Dartmouth collaborates with Native communities and organizations to ensure authentic representation and engagement, offering students opportunities for research, internships, and fieldwork that connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. The program aims to foster critical thinking, cultural competency, and advocacy skills among students, preparing them for careers in academia, public policy, education, social justice, and beyond.

Students in the program may participate in events such as speaker series, cultural celebrations, and community service projects that promote a deeper understanding of Native traditions and contemporary concerns. The Native American Studies Program also encourages research and scholarship on Indigenous topics, supporting student-led projects and providing mentorship from faculty members with expertise in Native American studies.

The program is committed to promoting inclusivity and respecting the diverse perspectives within Native communities. It collaborates with other departments and initiatives at Dartmouth to integrate Native American content across the broader curriculum. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced studies or careers dedicated to Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, policy development, and education, contributing meaningfully to issues impacting Native peoples nationally and internationally.