American Indian Studies - Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
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American Indian Studies
American Indian Studies
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Mission
The mission of the American Indian Studies department is to provide for an understanding of the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the Anishinaabe people of Minnesota. Issues include, but are not limited to, the history, migration, culture, and traditions of the Anishinaabe of Minnesota and surrounding states. Other issues explored include treaty rights, myths, customs, and philosophy of the Anishinaabe way of life.
Faculty
Rick Gresczyk
rgresczyk@fdltcc.edu
Blair Powless
blair.powless@fdltcc.edu
218-879-0845
Michelle Defoe
michelle.defoe@fdltcc.edu
Lyz Jaakola
MM, University of Minnesota – Duluth
BM, University of Minnesota – Duluth
ljaakola@fdltcc.edu
218-879-0721
Calland Metts
MM, Northwestern University
BA, Otterbein College
cmetts@fdltcc.edu
Courses
AMIN 1001 - Introduction to Gidizhitwaawinaanin (our cultural standards)
1 Credit
This one credit course provides an orientation to the American Indian Studies program by introducing students to Gidizhitwaawinaanin. The course provides a model of learning that reflects the OjibweAnishinaabe lifeway and view examining Gidizhitwaawinaanin in an integrative and interactive format.The different teaching and learning methods and practices include: experiential exercises, talking circles, focused activities, collective oral and shared writing activities, all with a focus on understanding
Gidizhitwaawinaanin
AMIN/EDU 1020 - Foundations of Anishinaabe and American Educational System
3 Credits
This course introduces prospective teacher candidates to the teaching profession. The major purpose of this course is to help students clarify their thoughts and feelings about becoming a professional educator
and to develop educational philosophies that they will bring into their classrooms. This course is taken by both prospective elementary education teachers and early childhood students. In addition, the
importance of embedding the Anishinaabe perspective into the curriculum will be stressed. This course also introduces candidates to educational assessments, portfolios, curriculum, and organizations within
the educational systems. Early Child Development students complete fifteen (15) hours of field experience (observation and participation) in the classroom/community. Elementary Education students complete ten (10) hours of field experience.
AMIN 1030 - Wigwametry
2 credits
This course provides early childhood education (ECE) candidates with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) methodology and content centered on a project-based learning activity entitled
“Wigwametry.” Students will learn to modify concepts in constructing scale models and life size structures to early childhood learning activities. Students will explore indigenous science principles of
green engineering and create age-appropriate learning experiences for children, based on the mathematics of circles and spheres. Students will develop problem solving situations for children to analyze characteristics of area and volume, matching, attributes, and patterns.
AMIN 1050 - Anishinaabeg of Lake Superior
3 credits
This course familiarizes students with the culture, history, and contemporary state of the Ojibwe in the Lake Superior region. Topics include Ojibwe worldview, oral tradition, migration, and interactions with foreign nations. We explore precontact religion, culture, agriculture, and geography, the roots and results of historical trauma, the revitalization of Ojibwe language, religion, government, and social structures, as well as the reclamation of land and sovereignty. Students will engage with local Ojibwe communities
to gain firsthand perspective and explore contemporary Ojibwe music, fine art, and literature
AMIN/PE 1052 - American Indian Hand Games
1 lab credit
This course provides an introduction to the history, rules, etiquette and skills of American Indian Hand Games. Hand games are a highly competitive game of skill and chance. The course focuses on both traditional styles of American Indian Hand Games played at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference (AIHEC): Fathead and Cheyenne style. A traditional form of game among Indigenous people, the course also provides cultural awareness.
AMIN 1061 - Ojibwe Seasonal Activities
1 lab credit
This course facilitates participation in Ojibwe seasonal activities that are physical in nature allowing for a broad range of physical abilities. Students are encouraged to select activities that acquaint and/or further engage them in the traditional processes, protocols and skills necessary to participate in the selected seasonal activity (e.g. canoeing, gardening, hide tanning, maple sugaring, wild rice or plant harvesting, pow-wow dancing, etc.). Appropriate activities are hands-on and participatory. Anishinaabe
knowledge is not required but will be learned throughout the process as the student engages in the activity and learning outcomes. This course is an Independent-study style course. Each activity is prearranged with the instructor. Students propose to instructor what the activity is, when and where the activity will take place and how they will achieve the necessary learning outcomes. This course fulfills PE requirements and can be retaken with different seasonal activities (for a total of
up to 3 credits)
AMIN/ART 1075 - Introduction to Jewelry
3 credits (1 lecture, 2 lab)
An exploration of the design, materials and technical processes of jewelry fabrication. Focus is on use of natural materials and found objects with particular emphasis on Indigenous American Indian reference and cultural traditions. (This course does not address hot metal fabrication techniques such as silver soldering or casting.)
AMIN 2001 - Federal Laws and the American Indian
3 credits
An initial examination of the history of the United States Government’s (federal government’s) relationship with American Indian people as reflected in federal laws. Issues and topics covered include American Indian tribal law & customs, the unique legal & political status of Indian people, sovereignty,
treaties, U.S. Supreme Court case law, and federal statutes. The course will also cover the integration of tribal, state, and federal laws and the impact on tribal communities. Contemporary issues and recent court decisions and how they affect present-day situations will also be explored.
AMIN/SOC 2030 - Contemporary Indian Concerns
3 credits
This course is an overview of contemporary and critical issues affecting the American Indian population and the state of affairs in Indian country. Critical issues will be analyzed in specific areas; Indian education, tribal economies, natural resources, culture & language revitalization, religion, health &
welfare, and self-governance.
AMIN/ART 2035* - Regalia- Traditional Dress and The Arts of Ojibwe Culture
3 credits (1 lecture, 2 lab)
This course assists students in their development as designers and makers of traditional Native American regalia. Anishinaabe culture, design, pattern making and handwork skills will be emphasized. Students create clothing and regalia suitable for indigenous ceremony and rituals of celebration. It is
advantageous for students to have previous experience.
* indicates a prerequisite course is required
AMIN/EDU 2300* - Culturally Responsive Education
1 credit
Students in this course will use the “Cultural Standards for Educators” assessment, as a tool to assist in the process of self- reflection as a way of understanding a culturally responsive classroom. Anishinaabe practices will be introduced throughout the course. Students will become familiar with the different resources available within the community to enhance the project.
* indicates a prerequisite course is required
AMIN/EDU 2301* - Culturally Responsive Leadership
2 credits
Students in this course will develop a culturally responsive classroom unit/project for a K-6 classroom. Participation in “cultural standards for educators” assessment will determine the student’s direction for
their own project in a culturally responsive leadership role. Anishinaabe practices will be introduced throughout the unit. Students will become familiar with the different needs in the community and will address this need with a project of their choice that will be useful for classroom purposes. Multiple perspectives, cultural norms and the development of learning communities as an educator will be presented throughout the curriculum. Leadership skills of communication, positivity, and engagement of the community will be practiced. Students will identify and utilize appropriate sources of Ojibwe-Anishinaabe cultural, historical, social, and political knowledge to apply to this classroom project.
* indicates a prerequisite course is required
Click here to learn about the American Indian Studies program at FDLTCC
Career Information
Testimonials
I chose FDLTCC because of its size and the curriculum. When I first came here in 2019, I was just looking for what I needed to volunteer, perhaps in a crisis shelter. I met with Don Jarvinen, and the rest is history.
It is awesome here at the FDLTCC Education Program because it is like a family here, if you need help or are struggling with anything, you have quite a few people who will help you out.
My favorite thing about FDLTCC is the people. I’ve met fantastic students, faculty and staff who go above and beyond what I expected.
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