Changing the World, One Student-Warrior at a Time

Welcome to Portland State University’s Indigenous Nations Studies Department! We offer a major and minor in Indigenous Nations & Native American Studies and an undergraduate certificate in Indigenous Traditional Ecological & Cultural Knowledge (ITECK). Designed for Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners alike, our academic programs are highly unique in the Pacific Northwest and the nation owing to:

  • the focus of courses on reclaiming urban landscapes for food, medicine, ceremony and healthy lifeways,
  • the significant requirement for hands-on, community-centered learning that builds technical skills and career connections,
  • options for both undergraduate students and non-degree seeking students and professionals,
  • opportunities for learning through multiple modalities, and
  • the high degree of partnership and support from community including tribal community members, and local and federal agencies and organizations.

Students may also choose to complete our minor either through a mix of online and in-person instruction or fully online.

"What happens in Indigenous Nations Studies truly changes the world, one-warrior student at a time." - Cornel Pewewardy (Comanche-Kiowa), Founding Director of the Indigenous Nations Studies Program

Photo of the PSU Indigenous Library

PSU Indigenous Library

Welcome to the PSU Indigenous Library located in the Vernier Science Center, Room 211. Our hours change by the term and will be posted on our door. Visit our collection catalog. We hope to see you soon.

Judy BlueHorse Skelton and students camas planting 2015

Support Indigenous Studies at PSU

Your gift provides opportunities for our students and supports programming, including speakers and events. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated.