Indigenous Studies

If you want to make a change in the world to help dismantle systemic racism, advance social and environmental justice and understand the impacts of colonization, start here.

Building on more than 50 years of tradition of Indigenous studies at UB, this interdisciplinary major examines some of the world’s most pressing questions: How can we protect our lands and waters for future generations? What are the most effective ways to build relationships among diverse populations? How does all of society benefit from Indigenous knowledge? Find out at UB, with SUNY’s first Indigenous Studies major.

What will I learn?

As an Indigenous Studies major, you’ll start with core courses that introduce you to languages, arts, literature, history and contemporary studies. Then, you’ll choose from a wide selection of electives as you explore the following areas comprehensively:

  • Examining Indigenous nations’ issues globally.
  • Addressing environmental concerns related to land (ideal for anyone interested in climate change).
  • Haudenosaunee languages, arts, cultures and governance.

You’ll learn about public health, politics and contemporary issues currently confronting global Indigenous communities while also studying the history, arts, literatures and culture of Indigenous nations.

What can I do outside of class?

Learn from engagement with the land. Meet with local tribal leaders and nonprofit Indigenous organizations. Make friends with like-minded students. Conduct award-winning research. At UB, the possibilities for engaging with Indigenous peoples and communities are nearly endless.

  • Research. At UB, you’ll find Indigenous correspondence collections, specialized Native American research tools and a “home and hub” department structure that creates opportunities for learning and outreach in service to Indigenous communities.
  • Student groups. Get involved and meet other students as you enjoy shared food, attend support workshops and learn from cultural activities. Together, we will raise awareness of issues facing Indigenous peoples and our allies.
  • Events. Participate in the annual Storytellers Conference, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and provides an avenue of ongoing outreach to local Indigenous communities.
  • Explore. UB operates on the land that is the territory of the Seneca Nation, a member of the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Confederacy. The region is home to a vibrant urban Indigenous population, close to a majority of the federally recognized Indigenous nations in New York State and a short distance from the largest First Nations community in Canada.
Research
Student Clubs
Events

What can I do with an indigenous studies degree?

Whether you want to work in government, education, health care, business or nearly any other field, a degree in Indigenous Studies can give you the flexibility you want—and the opportunity to serve communities around the world.

Indigenous Studies graduates are in high demand as experts in Indigenous nation governance offices, environmental programs, health care facilities and other areas. Graduates can also find opportunities with advocacy organizations, American Indian commissions and museums and federal, state and local government offices. In addition, many non-Indigenous workplaces seek out graduates with the diverse experiences you’ll gain here.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Academic advisor 
  • Attorney and other legal careers
  • Communications coordinator 
  • Community engagement liaison
  • Counselor
  • Cultural case manager
  • Field organizer 
  • Health equity coordinator
  • Human rights advocate
  • Indigenous inclusion trainer
  • Language specialist
  • Museum curator
  • Natural resource manager
  • Policy advisor
  • Professor
  • Public health specialist
  • Research assistant
  • Teacher
  • Tribal liaison

Who will I learn from?

At UB, you’ll learn about Indigenous peoples from Indigenous teachers who center their lived experiences in their research from across many disciplinary backgrounds. They will help guide students in fields that may or may not yet have a strong engagement with Indigenous research. With decades of experience and training, our faculty continue to serve as leading advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

As highly recognized researchers, our faculty members share their expertise on a wide range of global topics, from Haudenosaunee women’s leadership to Pacific Islander social movements. Their work has included mapping resiliency in Indigenous communities, advising Indigenous nations on environmental health concerns, directing documentaries and co-producing a documentary about land reclamation, and supporting tribal organizations and nations in maintaining their sovereignty. Our faculty members are also award-winning authors and have been published in various peer-reviewed journals and books.

While our faculty has a global presence, many faculty are enrolled members of Indigenous tribes, with strong connections to the traditional territories and communities of the Seneca Nation and its Six Member Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.