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Indigenous Nations Studies
The mission of Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University is to provide the best possible educational experiences for our students through excellence in teaching, research, creative activity, and service to the state, tribes, and society.

Welcome to Indigenous Nations Studies

Conceptual Framework

Two theoretical domains guide the conceptual framework in Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University. Combined, Decolonization and Retraditionalization are the central domains braided together to form a curriculum transformation in Indigenous Nations Studies. Indigenous Nations Studies acknowledges and recognizes tribal peoples' centuries-long fight to reconstitute Indigenous sovereignty, which includes the right to self-governance and cultural self-representation.

Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University is an interdisciplinary program ignited by a social justice thrust and guided by the following four directional pillars:

1. Western Door—Culture and Education, Identity Politics, and Community-based Practice
2. Northern Door—Sovereignty, Governance, and Politics
3. Eastern Door—Literature, Language, and Performance, and
4. Southern Door—Colonization/Decolonization, Nation-building, and Indigenous Critical Theory.

The conceptual framework for these pillars affirms traditional Native teaching philosophies and validates Indigenous ways of knowing and research. 

These four directions provide wisdom from our elders, invite new ideas from our youth, seek to provide connections to environmental justice, and are grounded in our strength and resilience as a people who are here and growing in numbers.

Indigenous Nations Studies prepares students through a range of methodologies, theories, technologies, and teaching approaches that provide a quality undergraduate education. A minor in Native American Studies offers education for a variety of career path options, such as social and public service, business, law, government, health, and teaching. 

The program seeks to advance the continuity, interests, and needs of North American Indigenous peoples through teaching, research, and responsive community collaborations and partnerships.

Director: Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche & Kiowa)
Director and Professor
Indigenous Nations Studies
Phone: (503) 725-9689
Email: cornelp@pdx.edu

Office and Mailing Address:

Mailing Address:
Indigenous Nations Studies
PO Box 751
Portland State University
Portland, OR 97207-0751
Phone: (503) 725-5920
Fax: (503) 725-3953

Physical Address:
Indigenous Nations Studies
1633 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97201