Encyclopedia Trinitiana

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{{tag>academics organizations}}
====== Indigenous Studies Working Group ======

The Indigenous Studies Working Group (ISWG) at Trinity College was formed in 2017 by faculty members. The ISWG aims to promote research and teaching about Native American and indigenous studies at Trinity. Members are committed to creating scholarship and community engagement related to indigenous studies and frequently sponsor events such as book talks, movie screenings, shared meals, and panel discussions. 

In line with their mission, faculty members affiliated with the ISWG have developed a range of interdisciplinary courses that explore the life experiences, cultural contributions, and historical achievements of Indigenous communities. These courses span departments such as Political Science, History, English, Hispanic Studies, and American Studies, reflecting the group's commitment to integrating Indigenous perspectives throughout the curriculum.
In addition to departmental offerings, the ISWG's influence has also extended to the [[first-year_program|First-Year Seminar Program]],  introducing students to topics related to Indigenous identity, history, and contemporary issues early in their academic journey. Through these courses, students engage critically with Indigenous scholarship, fostering deeper cultural awareness and an understanding of the challenges Indigenous peoples continue to face.

[{{:jingledress.png?400 |Jingle Dress Project creators lead event attendees in a round dance, 2024. Photo credit: Trinity Tripod}}] 

Beyond the classroom, the ISWG’s initiatives are strengthened through active participation in culturally significant events and collaboration with the broader Native American community in [[hartford|Hartford]] and beyond. In 2024, a highlight was a presentation on the “Jingle Dress Project,” which showcased the healing traditions and land reclamation efforts of Indigenous women through the Ojibwe Tribe’s dance. This event also included a panel discussion spotlighting Native women leaders, emphasizing the intersection of heritage, leadership, and activism.  Participants have also engaged in trips to the New Britain Museum of American Art, fostering dialogue about Native representations in contemporary art. In addition, a hands-on workshop was hosted on campus with the Yootay Singers and the Mashantucket Pequot community drum group, promoting cross-cultural musical traditions.

Some members of the ISWG have also served on Trinity’s Land Acknowledgement Committee. This committee aims to honor the Indigenous histories of the land on which Trinity resides, further reflecting Trinity’s growing commitment to supporting Indigenous students on campus and fostering a more inclusive academic community.

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===== Sources =====

[[https://www.trincoll.edu/indigenous-studies/|Indigenous Studies Working Group]]

[[https://www.trincoll.edu/president/land-acknowledgment/|Land Acknowledgment]]

[[http://www.jstor.org/stable/community.36739167?searchText=tripod%2Bjingle%2Bdress&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dtripod%252Bjingle%252Bdress%26scope%3DeyJpZCI6ICIxMDA0NTI1MTEiLCAicGFnZU5hbWUiOiAiVHJpbml0eSBDb2xsZWdlIEFyY2hpdmFsIFB1YmxpY2F0aW9ucyBhbmQgTWFudXNjcmlwdHMiLCAicGFnZVVybCI6ICIvc2l0ZS90cmluaXR5L3RyaW5pdHljb2xsZWdlcHVibGljYXRpb25zLyIsICJ0eXBlIjogImNvbGxlY3Rpb24iLCAicG9ydGFsTmFtZSI6ICJUcmluaXR5IENvbGxlZ2UiLCAicG9ydGFsVXJsIjogIi9zaXRlL3RyaW5pdHkvIn0%253D&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3Acea3eb92fcd5ce7107128e4b78b86563&seq=3|Trinity Tripod]], 03/26/2024.


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