American Indian & Indigenous Studies Minor

In the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor, work in an interdisciplinary framework of materials, methodologies, and cross-cultural comparisons from the social sciences and humanities.

Why Study Native American History, Culture, Language, and More?

a student writing in a Cherokee language class

Holistic Indigenous Studies Program

In the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor, you participate in a dynamic academic experience that blends history, culture, and language. Our interdisciplinary approach provides you with an understanding and appreciation of the broad historical, political, social, and economic issues and realities of indigenous societies and communities, both locally and globally, from the pre-colonial era through colonialism to modern times.

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Attend Cultural Events

Immerse yourself in the culturally vibrant atmosphere of UNC Asheville. We invite speakers and scholars from the community and around the country to join us in lively discussions and lectures that add to ongoing dialogues about the study of indigenous peoples and histories. These educational experiences enhance your understanding of Native American perspectives and deepen your familiarity with the academic research actively done in the discipline.

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Rangi Matamua speaking at an event on Native American history

Multi-Campus Hybrid Courses

Through our partnership with three other universities from the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), we offer multi-campus hybrid courses in Native American studies. You can study alongside students from the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus; the University of Minnesota Morris; and the State University of New York Genesco. The hybrid format allows you to take online courses through COPLAC, as well as work with UNC Asheville faculty members on campus.

COPLAC Hybrid Courses

a professor teaching a cherokee language course

Follow Your Creative & Academic Pursuits

The core of our liberal arts education offers opportunities for hands-on exploration. Through our Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Program (URCAP), you investigate topics that matter to you, add value to your graduate school application, and contribute to the broader discourse on indigenous issues. During this project, you work with a faculty mentor as you hone your research and writing skills and prepare for the possibility of presenting your work at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Undergraduate Research

Native American Studies Student Spotlight

Interdisciplinary Studies students Emma Lueders, Dejah Gallagher, Cason Bethea, and Malachi Williams worked together to create an informative presentation titled “Indigenous Representation in Asheville.” As part of LANG 120, these students explored the history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation and the population currently residing in the Qualla Boundary (NC Cherokee Reservation). Their work considers the contemporary implications of displacement and the culture and heritage of North Carolina’s native populations.

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Outside the Classroom

As you delve into Native American studies, we enable you to explore opportunities beyond traditional coursework through engaging events, internship opportunities, and student clubs and organizations.

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Internships

Apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios through internships that provide valuable insights into indigenous issues. We encourage you to take advantage of internship opportunities in the Qualla Boundary, about an hour’s drive from the University, developed as part of UNC Asheville’s partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Contact Trey Adcock, Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, for more information about Indigenous Studies internships.

Native American Student Association

We invite you to join this vibrant community dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of Native American cultures and identities. Open to people who embrace all things about indigenous cultures or who want to deepen their knowledge, the Native American Student Association (NASA) facilitates cultural exchange and support for Native American students and students of all backgrounds. Recognizing that our campus has a small Native population, the group emphasizes finding new ways to recruit Native American students to UNC Asheville.

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AIIS Faculty

Our esteemed faculty members bring diverse expertise and passion to the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor. They nurture students’ interests and encourage them to think critically, ask questions, engage with the community, and contribute to academic discussions.

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Amanda Wray, Ph.D.

Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: 213 Karpen Hall

Phone: (828) 251-6412

Email: awray1@unca.edu

Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator

Office: 214 Zeis Hall

Phone: (828) 251-3952

Email: rgusain@unca.edu

Trey Adcock, Ph.D.

ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Cherokee Nation; Associate Professor, Director of American Indian & Indigenous Studies; International Studies

Office: 214 Zeis Hall

Phone: (828) 251-6961

Email: ladcock1@unca.edu

Laura Bond, M.F.A.

Professor Interdisciplinary Studies

Office: 120 Whitesides Hall

Phone: (828) 232-2992

Email: lbond@unca.edu

Anne Jansen, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary, International Studies and English; Director of US Ethnic Studies; Diversity Intensive Committee Chair

Office: 212 Karpen Hall

Phone: (828) 251-6582

Email: ajansen@unca.edu

Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of International Studies, Sara and Joseph Breman Professor

Office: 207 Zeis Hall

Phone: (828) 250-3943

Email: skapur@unca.edu

Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.

Professor of International & Asian Studies

Office: 213 Zeis Hall

Phone: (828) 232-2409

Email: surain@unca.edu

Emily Herzog

Administrative Assistant

Office: 205 Zeis Hall

Email: eherzog@unca.edu

Careers & Outcomes

Our interconnected curriculum allows our graduates to pursue myriad career paths, from advocacy to education to business, showcasing the versatile outcomes of an education in indigenous studies. Students with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and an AIIS minor find meaningful careers working in nonprofits or community organizations and may attain roles that engage with law and policy, academia, communications and marketing, language preservation, activism, and more.

Many graduates of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor also seek graduate education at the master’s or doctoral level to continue their academic pursuits or further their professional careers.

Related Programs

Professor Agya Boakye-Boaten speaking at a podium

Complement Your Liberal Arts and Sciences Education in Our American Indian and Indigenous Studies Minor

By enrolling in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies minor at UNC Asheville, you enrich your knowledge of the traditions, histories, and contemporary issues of Native communities. Learn from expert faculty with expertise in the field and engage with a diverse community of learners who share a passion for understanding and respecting indigenous perspectives.

Join the minor and experience dynamic coursework, interactive discussions, and immersive experiences that help you thrive academically.

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Interdisciplinary Studies

Phone: 828.250.3955

Email: interdisciplinary@unca.edu

American Indian and Indigenous Studies Minor (AIIS)