This seminar will be divided into two parts. The first will look at modern (post-1865) historical relations between Native Americans and the various European/American entities with whom they had to deal, i.e. the U.S. and Canadian governments as well as organizations such as the Hudson's Bay Company and missionary societies. In the second part, we will look at contemporary Native American society and the particular issues which are of relevance to this unique community. These will include cultural issues (e.g., education, freedom of religion, language preservation), economic (reservation economic development, the impact of gambling, unemployment), legal issues (tribal self-government, land claims) and social issues (alcoholism, drug abuse, etc.).
- Teacher: Jeffrey Alan Vanderziel