About Center for Tribal Studies
About Us
Services
The Center for Tribal Studies offers a variety of services to enhance the academic experience of students in a supportive environment that values the traditions of American Indian cultural heritage. The Center facilitates program development, cultural enrichment, student support, and professional development opportunities for the University community.
The Center serves all students, but administers many programs that are specifically designed to increase the educational attainment of American Indian populations. By nurturing educational leadership, cultural enrichment, and professional development among students, leaders and scholars emerge, many of whom will serve in professions benefiting tribal governments and communities.
Mission
The mission of the Center for Tribal Studies is centered upon Northeastern State University's commitment to excellence in academic quality, scholarly engagement, leadership, cultural enrichment, and service. The Center for Tribal Studies mission has an interdisciplinary focus that also recognizes the diversity of tribal nations, communities, cultures, and languages. The mission serves the following purposes:
- To implement student programs that support and nurture personal development and academic success in higher education.
- To partner with tribes in programs that meet educational, professional development, and other mutually beneficial needs.
- To facilitate appropriate design and implementation of research and other projects on issues and concerns which impact the quality of life for tribal peoples.
- To facilitate symposia, conferences, and forums that present issues and topics relevant to American Indians and other tribal peoples.
- To partner with the NSU Sequoyah Institute and other campus programs to facilitate prominent guest lecturers and cultural events.
The Center for Tribal Studies vision is grounded in the rich history and heritage of three important educational institutions: The formal system of tribally supported schools in the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory; the Indian University, the first higher education institution west of the Mississippi River; and Northeastern State University, founded in 1909 following Oklahoma statehood.
Vision
The vision of the Center for Tribal Studies is to continue the legacy of NSU as a
leader in American Indian education, one which is innovative and responsive to the
educational needs of tribal nations, communities, and individuals. With high expectations
for succeeding generations of American Indian students to earn college degrees, the
vision will ensure a continuation of attention to learning opportunities and experiences
which promote leadership development, professional preparation, civic responsibility,
and cultural stewardship.
The Center for Tribal Studies is further committed to the values which promote equality,
compassion, respect for human dignity, and nondiscriminatory practices in the richly
diverse university environment.