Even When Erased, We Exist: Native American Women Standing Strong for Justice

REVISED

Fall 2012 quarter

Faculty

Frances V. Rains Native American studies, history, women's studies

Fields of Study

Native American studies, gender and women's studies and leadership studies

Preparatory for studies or careers in

Native American studies, women's studies, education, social sciences, U.S. history, leadership studies, and political science.

Description

Native American women have been erased from history.  It is not that they did not exist; it is that they were made invisible , omitted from history lessons.  At the same time, stereotypes such as "squaw" and "princess" have plagued Native women since 1492.  Ironically, the history of Native women has reflected a different reality with a long tradition of standing strong for justice.  Native women have stood to protect: the lands and the natural world, their cultures, languages, the health of their families, and Tribal Sovereignty.  But few learn about these Native women, who consistently defied the stereotypes, to work for the betterment of their peoples and nations.

Drawing upon the experiences and writings of such women, we will explore the ways in which leadership is articulated in many Native American communities. We will critique how feminist theory has both served and ignored Native women. Through case studies, autobiography, literature and films, we will analyze how Native women have argued for sovereignty and developed agendas that privilege community over individuality. We will explore the activism of 20th century Native women leaders, particularly in the areas of the environment, the family system and the law.

This program will implement decolonizing methodologies to give voice to some of these women, while deconstructing the stereotypes, in order to honor and provide a different way of knowing about these courageous Native American women, past and present.  As well, as a lower division program, campus services will be introduced and emphasized across the quarter. Students will develop skills as writers, researchers and potential advocates by studying scholarly and imaginative works and conducting research. Through extensive reading and writing, dialogue, art, films and possible guest speakers, we will investigate important aspects of the life and times of some of these Native American women across the centuries.

 

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions