Native Pathways Program: Indigenous Futurisms (Tacoma)

In Native Pathways Program: Indigenous Futurisms, students will be introduced to the multi-faceted and multi-perspective concept and practice of using story (written and visual) as a tool for examining the underpinnings of historical legacy as connected to the present and preparing for the future. Students will explore concepts and practices of Indigenizing the future as grounded in critical analysis, understanding cultural intricacies (local and global), and expanding skills in rhetoric. The idea of using story as a didactic tool is not new to Indigenous Peoples, but as technology advances, we have more modalities in which to communicate ideas. We will look at written stories, oral stories, films, graphic novels, and visual artworks that illustrate the concept of Indigenous futurisms. Students are expected to write reflections, annotate their readings, critically analyze visual artworks, and craft a research analysis essay that reflects the art of rhetoric and identifies multiple perspectives. They will reflect on the role of story in the imagining of the Indigenous future by considering the following questions: How can we transform and transmit culture and tradition? How do we discuss continuing social, economical, political issues that are a direct result of the history of settler colonialism? This program will present these questions and more to learn across cultures and strengthen interdisciplinary thinking.

Indigenous Futurisms aims to address systems of oppression by challenging dominant narratives and envisioning new possibilities for the future. Exploring and examining the concrete and abstract elements of Indigenous futurisms through the works of scholars and artists such as Grace Dillon, Gerald Vizenor, Harold Waldrup, and Wendy Red Star, students will analyze how envisioned Indigenous futures offer pathways to decolonization, environmental justice, and self-determination. Drawing from a diverse selection of texts and media, including academic articles, novels, films, art, and music, students will critically engage with alternative visions of the world and the roles of Individuals and communities in actualizing these futures.

The Native Pathways Program (NPP) meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9:30pm at various “site” locations. All site students will meet at the House of Welcome Longhouse on the Olympia campus for full weekend intensives: Orientation/Welcoming:  October 4th Saturday only; Full Weekend 1: November 1 and 2nd, and Full Weekend 2: December 6 and 7th --Saturdays intensives run 10am until 6pm and Sunday intensives run 10am until 3:0pm.

NPP offers a 12 credit core studies option and an option for 16 credits that includes the core studies and an additional 4 credits for either a capstone project or other program-related work. 16 credit students must have faculty approval.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

6 – Native American and Indigenous Studies: Introductory to Advanced

6 – Native American literature, Visual Arts, and Media: Introductory to Intermediate