The Native American & Indigenous Studies (NAIS) Program at the IU School of Liberal Arts explores the histories, cultures, religions, languages, arts, and literatures of Indigenous peoples across the Americas.
In the NAIS Program, you’ll examine how Native nations and communities approach history, governance, land, identity, and cultural expression, gaining a clearer understanding of the viewpoints that shape Indigenous life today and how they connect to broader social, political, and economic issues. You’ll also learn more about how the past continues to influence the present and how individuals and communities work toward lasting change.
Your coursework may also connect you with Indigenous individuals, organizations, and nations, helping you see how classroom learning connects into real-world, community-centered work.
Indiana roots
Indiana University Indianapolis offers the only Indigenous Studies minor in Central Indiana. With roughly 40,000 Native American residents in the state—and many more with ancestral ties—Indiana has a rich Indigenous presence. For some students, this program becomes a way to explore personal heritage; for others, it’s a chance to understand the place they call home through a new lens.
Our commitment
The IU School of Liberal Arts recognizes the tribal sovereignty of federally recognized tribes and nations and works to build informed, respectful relationships with Indigenous students and their communities. We also understand that historical policies, forced removals, and relocation programs have shaped the experiences of many Native families in Indiana. Because of this, our goal is simple: to support any student who identifies as Indigenous and provide an academic home where your interests can grow.
Undergraduate minor in Native American & Indigenous Studies
The Minor in Native American & Indigenous Studies gives you a strong foundation in the histories, cultures, religions, languages, arts, and literatures of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. You will build an intermediate understanding of key topics such as identity, sovereignty, governance, and community life. You’ll also explore storytelling traditions that reveal how Indigenous peoples pass on knowledge, sustain families and communities, and make sense of the world around them.
Because this minor pairs well with virtually any major at IU Indy, you can bring these insights directly into your primary field of study. You’ll learn to think across disciplines, connect ideas in meaningful ways, and approach complex issues with clarity and context. You’ll also encounter perspectives that offer new approaches to the environment, science, politics, and belief systems, as well as distinct ways of understanding time, place, and community.
Whether you’re exploring your own personal heritage or expanding your academic interests, the NAIS minor opens doors to new ways of seeing the world and strengthens the skills you’ll carry into your career, your community, and your future work.
More information
For questions about this minor, contact aipinfo@iu.edu.
