Native American Studies

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The Department of Native American Studies was established to provide and advance quality education for and about American Indians of Montana, the region, and the nation. In fulfilling this mission, the Department is committed to meet the changing needs of Montana's Indian tribes and all Montana citizens through excellence in teaching, research, and service. In its academic program, the department provides concentrated study through an undergraduate minor, the first online graduate certificate in Native American Studies offered, and a Master of Arts degree in Native American Studies. Students in any major can also gain a multicultural perspective through NAS offerings in the University's core curriculum. The Department, through its research and other creative efforts, actively pursues interdisciplinary scholarship in the field of Native American Studies.

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Author: search.filters.author.Zeilinger, Lisa AnnHas files: Yes

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    An aesthetic framework for the question of indigenous feminism, autonomy and leadership : confronting a history of colonial male dominance
    (Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2016) Zeilinger, Lisa Ann; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Kristin T. Ruppel
    This research study focuses on the question of whether Indigenous women are successfully assuming leadership positions in order to address critical issues impacting their lives, their families and their communities, despite the historical implications of imposed male dominance since European contact. It explores the various avenues women have undertaken to confront the impacts of male dominance and whether they have advanced in their endeavors to alleviate the struggles and demands of their own lives, the lives of their children and families, as well as their tribal nations. Additionally, the question of whether the feminist movement is relevant to Indigenous women is explored. This research involves a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on Indigenous methodologies, the determinants of which are covered in the text. Oral interviews have also been incorporated as supporting material, thanks to women participants from the reservations of South Dakota. This exploration of avenues Indigenous women have taken in challenging male dominance illustrates that they are utilizing various approaches to advance healing and growth. Despite such challenges as single parenthood, they are making strides to become educated in order to better address obstacles to healthy communities. Additionally, women are developing organizing strategies in order to confront violence, substance abuse, poverty and lack of education. Likewise, through spirituality, activism and the arts, they are finding a voice of resistance. Through this research study, it has been determined that women are also confronting male dominance that has not only been imposed on their communities from without, but has also pervaded their lives through lateral oppression. Their particular methods of confrontation act as foundational steps toward the creation of healthier lives for themselves, their children and families, their communities and their tribal nations, not only in contemporary times, but for the coming generations. This study is based on the image of the star quilt, an art form common among Indigenous women during the last century. Each point of the star illustrates the path that Indigenous women have taken in their quest to confront male dominance and promote healing for present communities and the generations to come.
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    The persistence of hope in Indian country : the Lakota/Dakota of South Dakota
    (Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2011) Zeilinger, Lisa Ann; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Matthew Herman; Kristin T. Ruppel (co-chair)
    The intent of this study is to research the existence of hope and its manifestation among the Lakota and Dakota communities of South Dakota, despite centuries of oppression, marginalization, cultural disruption and structural violence. It will be shown that these communities of the Great Sioux Nation exhibit courage and resilience, and that something vital has sustained them for centuries - the element of hope. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, this study will first explore historical multigenerational trauma and the theoretical approach of Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart. The impacts of historical trauma lend to better understanding of the present situation among these communities. Additionally, the issues of violence and abuse are researched in the context of women and youth, those appearing to suffer the greatest impacts. The effects of this violence have produced secondary issues such as critical suicide rates and the emergence of gang activity. Finally, the element of hope is explored as it is manifested among these communities through resistance. Demonstrated in various forms, resistance is a key component in the persistence of hope and possibility. The strength and commitment generated by such efforts address the critical issues impacting these reservation communities, especially the highlighted target groups - women and youth. Interviews among generous participants from Pine Ridge, Crow Creek, Cheyenne River and Lower Brule Reservations in South Dakota lend to the overall substance and credibility of the assertions in this study. They are invaluable in clarifying that, despite incredible odds and what is seemingly interminable crisis, hope exists. Questions asked included: How is hope maintained? How is it manifested? How did it sustain people in the past and what force keeps people moving forward in the face of the paradigm of continued oppression in contemporary societies? The conclusion reached is that despite the impacts of poverty and despair among the Lakota and Dakota, there is a tangible and pervasive element of hope that sustains these communities and has allowed for their continued existence as unique and distinct nations.
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