Native American Studies Program (University of Michigan) records: 1972-2003
Summary Information
Native American Studies Program (University of Michigan) records University of Michigan. Native American Studies Program.
1972-2003 0.75 linear feet
The Native American studies began at the University of Michigan in 1972. In 1983 it was formalized as a program within the Program in American Culture. Records include material relating to the establishment and growth of the Native American Studies Program. Collection contains records relating to the Committee on Native American Studies, focusing particularly on the early planning and implementation of the Native American Studies Program and course information, documentation of campus cultural activities, and issues of the Native American Advocate. 2010213 Bimu 2 The material is in English Bentley Historical Library1150 Beal Ave. Ann Arbor, MI
48109-2113 Phone:
734-764-3482 Fax:
734-936-1333 e-mail:
bentley.ref@umich.edu Home Page: http://www.bentley.umich.edu/ Finding aid created by Natalie Bond, November-December 2010
Access and Use
Materials were received from the University of Michigan Native American Studies program in August 2010 (Donor # 10395).
The records are open without restriction.
To protect fragile audiovisual recordings (such as audio cassettes, film reels, and VHS
tapes), the Bentley Historical Library has a policy of converting them to digital
formats by a professional vendor whenever a researcher requests access. For more
information, please see: http://bentley.umich.edu/research/duplication/.
Copyright is held by the Regents of the University of Michigan but the collection may contain third-party materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials.
[item], folder, box, Native American Studies Program (University of Michigan) records, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan
History
The University of Michigan's Native American Studies Program was conceived in the early seventies, following several years of lobbying on the part of the University's Native Americans students, as well as local Native Americans. Anthony L. Genia, was hired in 1972 as a Native American recruiter in the admissions office, and was primarily concerned with establishing a Native American program at the University. The University of Michigan Native American Student Association (UM-NASA) was established around the same time, holding its first organizational meeting on November 13, 1972. A Native American Advocate, Charles "Moose" Pamp, was hired by the UM Office of Special Services. He was to serve as "an aggressive exponent for Native American concerns throughout the campus and community," and would "open up new channels of communication...and actively represent Native American interests." (Native American Advocate, November 1972)
It was not until 1983 that the Native American Studies Program was officially established within the Program in American Culture. Since its inception, the Native American Studies Program at the University of Michigan has implemented several courses each year, including those in Ojibwe language instruction. There are several Native American student groups operating at the University as well, including American Indians at the University of Michigan, The Circle, the American Indian Science Engineering Society, the Native American Law Students Association, and the Native Caucus. These groups actively sponsor speakers and other events, and have put on an annual April Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow in conjunction with the local Native community since 1972.
Collection Scope and Content Note
The records largely document the inception and early years of the University of Michigan's Native American Studies Program, beginning in 1972, as well as cultural and financial material from more recent years. The collection is arranged in a single series, Topical Files.
Two folders contain extensive information regarding the Ojibwa language courses, which have been offered regularly since 1973. The majority of documents relate to the growth of the program, specifically the expansion of Native American course offerings, the hiring of Native American faculty members, the dialogue between Native American students and the University over demands for a cultural center, and increased support services on campus for Native American Students.
The collection also consists of various budget and financial documents, as well as grant proposals. Several issues of a student publication, the Native American Advocate from 1972-1973, are included, in addition to non-University publications relating to Native American issues.
Subject Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the finding aid database and catalog of The Bentley Historical Library/University of Michigan. Researchers desiring additional information about related topics should search the catalog using these headings.
- Indians of North America -- Michigan -- Education, Higher.
- Minorities -- Education, Higher -- Michigan -- Ann Arbor.
- University of Michigan. Native American Student Association.
- University of Michigan. Native American Studies Program.
Contents List
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