UND advances Indigenous Studies through collaboration and language revitalization

The University of North Dakota is working to strengthen relationships with tribal nations and advance Indigenous Studies as part of its UND LEADS Strategic Plan, according to UND Today. Cynthia Lindquist, director of Tribal Initiatives & Collaboration, said a work group representing North Dakota’s five federally recognized tribes developed a draft Tribal Consultation Policy now under university review.

Indigenous student Makaila Martin said UND’s Indigenous Student Center and INMED program have helped her stay connected to her culture while pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Teaching assistant professor Jeremy Kingsbury said he leads Ojibwe language classes and weekly language tables at the Indigenous Student Center to promote language revitalization. The programs, Lindquist said, reflect UND’s ongoing effort to build cooperative relationships with tribal nations and become a premier institution for Indigenous Studies.