Native Pathways Program: Indigenous Feminisms and Gender Narratives (Salish Sea Hybrid)

NPP: Indigenous Feminisms and Gender Narratives is a program designed to explore the traditional and contemporary intersectional theories that focus on decolonization, self-determination, cultural sovereignty, and human rights. Indigenous Feminist Scholar Leanne Betasamosake Simpson wrote, "I think it's in all of our best interests to take on gender violence as a core resurgence project, a core of any Indigenous mobilization...This begins for me by looking at how gender is conceptualized and actualized within Indigenous thought because it is colonialism that has imposed an artificial gender binary in my community." We will examine how generations of genocide, racism, and settler colonialism have attempted to erase, silence, and promote stereotypes and monoculturalism throughout Indigenous communities, but more importantly, what the current Indigenous change-makers and scholarly leaders are doing now. Students will critically analyze the intersections between western and Indigenous feminism, understand and effectively communicate the imperative to value the Indigenous lens in academia, and report on a current researched movement that illustrates praxis. 

Required technology to be successful:  computer or equivalent, internet connection, access to Canvas and Zoom. Synchronous (live on Canvas/zoom) hours for all core NPP programs are estimated at 7 hours and asynchronous hours are estimated at 5 hours per week.   Our approach will emphasize participation in synchronous sessions; however, if students find themselves unable to participate due to technology, caregiving obligations, economic disruption, health risk, or illness, they can work with the NPP Director and faculty to pursue alternate options to earn program credit.