Recent News
In the spring of 1970, a group of Native American students brainstormed ways to prioritize Native studies at the UW. They submitted their ideas to the College of Arts & Sciences, which provided crucial support at a time when University finances were limited. Professors James Nason (Comanche) from Anthropology and Frances Swensson (Lakota) from Political Science, along with students, met…
AIS is happy to share that Dr. Jen Rose Smith has been promoted to Associate Professor. This is a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding scholarship, teaching, and service.Jen’s scholarship continues to make important contributions to Indigenous Studies, and she brings tremendous care and commitment to our students and department. We are truly fortunate to have her as part of the AIS…
The Department of American Indian Studies is pleased to share that Ashley Lewis (Quinault), a recent University of Washington AIS graduate now pursuing her PhD at UC Davis, has published a new piece in the American Historical Review.Lewis’s contribution, “Indigenous Challenges to ‘Little Dictators,’” appears as part of the AHR’s #AHRSyllabus project, “Authoritarianism 101.” Her module, designed…
After more than two decades in prison, Benjamin Brockie begins again—as a student, a father and an advocate for education and Indigenous justice. UW Magazine featured Ben in an incredible article in their March edition.
Underscore Native News recently featured American Indian Studies student Ben Brockie in a profile about his journey from incarceration to pursuing a law degree. Read the full story.
The Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington invites applications for a Part-Time Lecturer (PTL) pool for Academic Year 2026–27.We welcome applicants committed to Indigenous knowledge systems, community accountability, and student-centered teaching.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April 14, 2026.🔗 Apply via Interfolio📅 Deadline Extended: April…
An article by Nancy Joesph from the UW College of Arts & Sciences about the return of "The Healing Heart of the First People of this Land" a symphony arrangement commissioned by the Late Vi Hilbert (Upper Skagit). The University of Washington symphony will be performing this work in February of 2026. Link to article: https://artsci.washington.edu/news/2025-12/healing-heart-returns?mkt_to…
Makah Tribe’s treaty-protected whaling rights remain blocked more than two decades later - ICT
Dian Million (Tanana Athabascan), UW associate professor of American Indian studies, received a 2025 Freedom Scholar Award from the Marguerite Casey Foundation (MCF) for “her scholarship and activism in Indigenous feminisms and Indigenous community well-being.” The Freedom Scholar Award honors leading academics whose visionary work advances social and economic justice. …
We are so proud of our recent graduate, Devin Sampson-Craig, who completed his Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies this Summer 2025. Just before graduating, Devin was interviewed by the College of Arts and Sciences to tell his amazing story about coming to UW, filming Rez Ball, completing independent research about Native representation in film through an AIS independent study project,…