Native American Studies

Certificate of Completion (C.C.)
Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)

Program Description

The Native American Studies Program is committed to studying the historic experience, the contributions, and the contemporary life of the Native Peoples of North America. The principles and values of the People of the Flathead Nation are as vital in modern life as they have been through the millenniums. Students will discover an often unreported history while learning about a worldview that contrasts greatly with our modern technocratic, capitalistic society. The curriculum examines the history, language, art, and traditions of the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’ Orielle peoples. Course work also includes North American Indian history, federal policy, and the contemporary issues that shape the lives of Indians in today’s world.

Degree/Certificate Objectives

Upon completion of the Certificate, students will:

• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Salish and Kootenai cultures, traditions, technologies, and language.
• Review Indian history from an Indian perspective.
• Understand basic U.S. Federal Policy as applied to Indians.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree, students will be able to:

• Recognize or experience basic elements of traditional tribal life.
• Describe the impacts that European colonialism and U.S. history has had on Indians.
• Interpret the effects that Federal Policy has on Native Americans.
• Portray several the historic and contemporary interactions between native and non-native populations

Requirements

A student must receive a “C” or better in all required courses while maintaining an overall grade point average of 2.0 to graduate.

Michael Dolson
Native American Studies
Department Head/Instructor
B.A. Thomas Aquinas College
J.D., Law, University of Montana

Email: michael_dolson@skc.edu
Phone:

Location:

Three Woodcocks Building