History 491G - S-IndigPeoples/Museums&Archive

Museums, archives, monuments and commemorative events have long contributed to a master narrative in which indigenous peoples die out, disappear, or make room for progress. This seminar will examine past and present examples, and then take a look at how indigenous communities are re-claiming public history spaces at the local, regional and international level.

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only. This advanced undergraduate seminar examines the history of Indigenous peoples in museums and archives as subjects of study and display and as curators, researchers, donors, artists, activists, and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. Topics range from local to global, including a consideration of how the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples may affect current museum and archival practices. No prerequisites but prior work in Native American & Indigenous Studies will be helpful.