American Indian Studies

About

Established in 1965, the American Indian Studies Program (AISP) serves Native American students interested in a degree from EWU. Through the AISP’s support, EWU has educated a large number of students. Many of these alumni have chosen to return and work in their Indian communities. Our alumni include educators, healthcare providers, social workers, business executives, tribal leaders, planners, writers, artists, and more.

Our services focus on three areas:

  • Recruitment
  • Retention
  • Academic studies

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Why Study at Eastern?

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Our graduates have a great record of finding employment soon after graduation.

Indian Studies Minor

The Indian Studies Minor is designed to help you develop cultural and civic awareness. In this program, you’ll learn about the basic philosophy of Indian Studies. You’ll also study the educational, social, political and cultural issues that currently impact Native American communities. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss these issues, some of which include:

  • Educational reform
  • Community organization
  • Economic development
  • Land rights
  • The breakdown of traditional families
  • Culturally relevant program development within various Native American communities

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Indian Studies Minor

Required Courses
IDST 101INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN STUDIES5
IDST 321CONTEMPORARY INDIAN ISSUES5
Electives–choose two upper-division IDST courses in consultation with the department advisor8-10
Total Credits18-20

Resources

Each year as many as 40 tribes are represented in the program. Students attending EWU come primarily from the seven major tribes of the region: Spokane, Colville, Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs, Nez Perce, and Coeur d’Alene confederations. Native Americans from Alaska, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta also comprise the American Indian student community.

We visit regional public and reservation high schools, tribal offices of education, community and four-year colleges, and Native American-related conferences. If you’d like us to be part of your event or visit your school, please email Evanlene Melting Tallow at emeltingtallow@ewu.edu.

The AISP advising system enriches and supports the individual academic goals and cultural heritage of Native American students. AISP advisers assist students with academic planning, career counseling, tutorial services, financial aid and scholarship information, workshops, orientation, admissions, tribal and community organizations, and acts as a liaison with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other tribal organizations in the area.

Native Students attending EWU have the option of utilizing the American Indian Studies Advisor or they may access other forms of advising on the EWU campus.

Program headquarters (Indian Education Center) also serves as a referral center for students needing to access local resources not offered by the University.

The on-campus student organization, Native American Student Associations (NASA) is housed in the Indian Education Center. NASA holds weekly meetings and is responsible for the organization of the annual EWU Pow-Wow.

NASA is an Eastern Washington University student organization advised by the staff of the American Indian Studies Program. NASA is comprised of over 50 active Native and non-Native American EWU students committed to supporting the Native American community. We work together to support Native American students in their education as well as in their college environment and encourage members, and students to be involved in leadership, social, educational, and recreational events. In that, our focus is to teach students skills that will benefit them in their education and future careers.

NASA meets at the American Indian Education Center, also known as the “Longhouse.” This building is located on the EWU campus at 2 Indian Education Center, which is on the corner of Fifth and C streets in Cheney. This building has a study area with available computers; and space for meetings, activities, and socializing.

For more information, please email nasaewu@gmail.com

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Native American Student Association

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Contact Us

Margo Hill, MURP, JD

Program Director | American Indian Studies
Associate Professor | Urban & Regional Planning
Photo of Margo Hill, MURP, JD
American Indian Education Center - 706 5th Street

Evanlene Melting Tallow

Program Coordinator/Recruiter
American Indian Studies
Photo of Evanlene Melting Tallow
American Indian Education Center - 706 5th Street

Connie George

Public Relations Assistant
American Indian Studies
Photo of Connie George
American Indian Education Center - 706 5th Street