Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/733
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Item Yellowstone National Park and indigenous representation(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2024) Carlson-Strom, Daniel Zooey; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Matthew HermanYellowstone National Park, established in March 1872 as the United States' first national park, attracts millions of visitors each year due to its unusual and breathtaking landscapes, geothermal features, and bounty of wildlife. A critical aspect often overlooked by visitors is the park's history of forced removal and violence against Indigenous peoples during its formation. This thesis investigates the underrepresentation of Indigenous peoples and tribes who inhabited and utilized Yellowstone's lands before its designation as a national park. Through a comprehensive review of historical documents, and archival research, this study sheds light on the procedures and methods employed in the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, illuminating the systemic erasure of Indigenous histories from the park's public discourse. The results reveal a significant gap in the dissemination of information regarding the historic and current Indigenous presence within the park boundaries and the continued impacts of Indigenous displacement from the park. Conclusions drawn from this research underscore the necessity of acknowledging and centering Indigenous voices and perspectives in the interpretation and management of a national park.Item E-Acimocik: storying the lived experiences of indigenous faculty and staff at a predominantly white institution(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2022) Russette, Kristie Lyn; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Kristin T. RuppelIn the Fall of 2021, Montana State University reported its largest number of American Indian/Alaska Native students. Despite this growing population of students, few professionals employed by this institution are adequately prepared to meet the holistic needs of Indigenous communities who are affiliated with the university. Consequently, a small group of Indigenous professionals are tasked with taking on this work. To address gaps in service to Indigenous communities, this research provides potential strategies for university professionals to consider as part of the strategic planning process. Employing an Indigenous approach to academic research, a group of 10 Indigenous professionals employed by Montana State University were interviewed about their personal experiences working for a predominantly White institution and the ways that their identities play a role in their professional work. The majority of interviewees noted additional responsibilities were expected of them due to their identities as Indigenous people. Based on their responses, this study identifies four key areas that significantly impact the workplace experiences of Indigenous professionals at Montana State University, including relationships with students, community support, knowledge of Indigenous kinship systems, and emotional and cultural labor.Item A timeline of how Native Americans/indigenous peoples have decolonized & indigenized: opera, jazz, & blues(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2021) Andrade, Bryce Clinton; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Walter FlemingAt the beginning of the assimilation era, Indigenous Tribes in North America were suppressed into western civilization. Suppression of Native American culture was rampant and still is. The art of music has come back with a vengeance and has helped the progression of decolonization and indigenization within many cultures, especially indigenous ones across the United States and Canada. The purpose of this thesis is to explore how Native Americans and Indigenous people have been able to decolonize and indigenize music between 1879 and present day -- specifically in genres such as opera, jazz and blues. The specific start date of the year 1879 enables us to engage and learn about the effects of missionary schools, more commonly known as boarding schools, and the effects that these schools have had on the culture and music for these communities. The activism in this paper is gauged on a scale of minimalism and maximization. These two spectrums will be explored in every genre provided and will present a preview of how native artists define the term activism and how they use or do not use it. Within indigenous activism, the terms 'Indigenization' and 'Decolonization' are vital and need to be established because some musical forms such as jazz are already decolonized in a historical sense. These forms of music stemmed from Black communities rebelling against the Westernized system that enslaved them thus forcing Black Americans to assimilate as well and adapt to new settings, create new cultures and with that new music. Decolonization can take place in European or Western forms of music such as opera and classical music. The timeline and interviews with current indigenous musicians will help show changes over time (even though timelines are a colonial or Western aspect), what being indigenous looks like in music, and how decolonization and indigenization have evolved as theories.