Department of Indigenous Studies

The Department of Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary “home and hub” for study that centers the knowledges, priorities, aspirations and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples locally, nationally and internationally.

Our Approach

The Department of Indigenous Studies builds on UB’s legacy as a key location for Haudenosaunee and Indigenous studies. Housed within the former Department of American Studies, UB’s Native American and Indigenous Studies programming has been defined by its emphasis on the transformative potential of grassroots-oriented activist scholarship and research.

Our goal is to support Indigenous-centered research and teaching throughout and across the various schools and programs at our university, and to advance UB’s longstanding commitment to specialized scholarship in the field of Indigenous Studies.

Community Engagement

With support of the Department of Indigenous Studies, student groups at the undergraduate (First Nations Student Association and AISES) and graduate level (Native Graduate Association) are involving the UB community in Indigenous-centered events that share our foods, culture heritage and worldviews.

  • Haudenosaunee social dances
  • Culture demonstrations
  • Student groups

Degrees

  • BA in American Studies
  • MA in American Studies
  • PhD in American Studies

Minor

  • Minor in Indigenous Studies
Department Website
Andrew W. Mellon Grant

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation $3.2M grant supports the creation of the department including the recruitment and retention faculty and Native American students as well as meaningful community engagement