In recent years, Western science has begun to “discover” what Indigenous People have known since time immemorial and increasingly calls on Indigenous Peoples to solve problems of climate change—most of which result directly from their forced removal and disconnection from Land. While rich cultural diversity exists among Native and Indigenous communities, Indigenous Ways of Knowing tend to center non-hierarchical kinship and reciprocal relationships among people, Land, and our more-than-human kin.
By learning how to center Indigenous Peoples through community/Land-based projects, you'll be prepared to uplift or work alongside Indigenous communities, or to be a good relative and accomplice within any career path. ITECK certificate students represent a broad diversity of majors (e.g., environmental science, social work, public health) and include non-degree-seeking students such as working professionals aiming to expand their understanding and circles of community connection.
Core Courses (24 credits)
- NAS 201 Introduction to Native American Studies (4 credits)
- NAS 342 Indigenous Gardens and Food Justice (4 credits)
- NAS 349 Indigenous Leadership for Sustainable Futures (4 credits)
- NAS 392 Indigenous Ways of Knowing (4 credits)
- NAS 422 First Foods of the Pacific Northwest (4 credits)
- NAS 424 Cultural Ecology: Indigenous Science and the Natural World (4 credits)
Experiential Learning Requirements (8 credits)
- NAS 404 Cooperative Education/Internship (4 credits)
- NAS 407 Indigenous Ecological Healing Practices (4 credits)
*The objective of the internship requirement is to ensure that students have real-world experiences, allowing them to apply their learning from other courses. It is therefore best to take this course in your final term.
32 total credits