Programs & Initiatives
American Indian and Indigenous Studies strives to indigenize and decolonize the University. This means that, individually and as a community, we work to create a space for American Indian and other Indigenous students, community members, and knowledge at MSU. We understand the importance of Indigenous knowledge, history, and culture – both for Indigenous students, as well as for non-Native students. As such, American Indian and Indigenous Studies has a multiplicity of co-curricular programs and other initiatives that connect AISP with the Native community in Mid-Michigan.
In addition to our faculty’s excellence in the classroom, and extensive research and creative experience, American Indian and Indigenous Studies collaborates with the Lansing School District, MSU’s RCAH, the Ingham County Health Department, and Lansing Community College on the Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program.
We’ve also recently initiated:
- An Indigenous Studies Writing Group;
- Voices on Campus, a lecture series highlighting the knowledge that exists within our community;
- Anishinaabe-gikendaasowin, a series of workshops and activities on ecological knowledge;
- Odamino Indigenous Play Series, events that focus on Indigenous games and play-based activities;
- The Anokiiwigamig Indigenous Arts Initiative.