American Indian Studies | University of Washington

AIS Celebrates 50 Years

Join us as we celebrate with special events, speakers, and a look back at our history of creating a space for indigenous studies at the University of Washington.
Join Us
Honoring the Legacy of an Artist & Teacher

As a tribute to Marvin Oliver's life and legacy, we invite you to consider making a gift to a cause that was important to him: support of undergraduate students in the Department of American Indian Studies.
Support AIS Students
Connecting in the Present

Our many American Indian, Alaska Native and First Nations communities find time to come together for Raven’s Feast, the Living Breath Indigenous Foods Symposium, and numerous First Nations events.
Community Events
Alumni Excellence

AIS graduates pursue careers in public affairs, education, law, filmmaking, the sciences, and more. Many of our Indigenous alumnae are presently leaders in Native communities.
Alumni News
Local & Global Collaborations

Our department connects students and scholars across three UW campuses, dozens of academic disciplines, international research centers, and the Burke Museum to honor and create Indigenous Knowledge.
Our Partnerships
Find Your Community

AIS students, both native and non-native, enjoy close relationships with faculty mentors, small class sizes, and active student groups.
Our Programs

Welcome to AIS

Our department is the hub for Indigenous Studies in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our faculty bring deep knowledge from our communities, cultures, histories, science, art, and more to their teaching and research. Our academic programs prepare students for meaningful careers that apply American Indian and Indigenous perspectives to global challenges.

About Us

Our Programs

Featured Program

Graduate Certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies

The theory and practice of Indigenous knowledge intersects with many fields, including history, literature, anthropology, political science, art, and linguistics. Add a certificate in American Indian and Indigenous Studies to your graduate degree to expand your knowledge of community based research methods that connect the local and the global. This certificate will be available beginning in winter 2020.
Learn more