ETHNC 111:E - Pacific Northwest Indigenous People

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 55
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: The social and cultural evolution of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest including historical context, colonization, and continued presence as self-determining political actors in a contemporary multicultural region. Focus on U.S. policy toward native people, tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and creation of more equitable education, health, and economic outcomes with Indian self-determination.

Prerequisite: ENGL 099 with a grade of C or higher OR placement into ENGL& 101.
Distribution Requirements:

Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

General Education Requirements:

Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

Equity Degree Requirement:

Fulfills Equity Foundation Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain how indigenous peoples adapted to and flourished in the many different landscapes and environments of the Pacific Northwest.
Compare/contrast regional and local similarities and differences in Pacific Northwest indigenous cultures.
Describe the the systems of power used to construct an Indian identity distinct from settler colonists and subsequently dispossess Native people from their land and culture.
Describe the environmental, economic, political and social impact of Northwest tribes as self-determining actors.
Reflect critically on one’s individual and group status and ethical role in changing narratives to make visible the cultural wealth, resistance, survival of Native people.

Course Contents

Study of how the indigenous people adapted to the many environments of the Pacific Northwest.
Comparison of indigenous societies of the Pacific Northwest and the many similarities and differences in social, political, religious, economic, and artistic expression past and present.
Individual and group identity formation, dominant narratives, counter narratives.
Analysis of major U.S. military, legal and policy efforts to remove Pacific Northwest tribes from land and culture, and counter efforts by tribes to restore self-determination and sovereignty as tools of power and systemic oppression.
Contemporary issues, cultural wealth, resistance, and survival of Pacific Northwest indigenous people.

Instructional Units: 5