Date

12-2024

Department

History

Abstract

During the 1960s and 1970s, the United States experienced a rise in social activism which subsequently sparked progressive political movements. In the midst of this social atmosphere, the Native American community advocated for rights and visibility for the Indigenous populations and were active participants in many other social movements of the time. This paper uses Northern Michigan University’s archives to explore how the influx of progressive social movements created an atmosphere for Native American activism to grow and henceforth contributed to the development of Native American Studies programs as an academic pursuit across the country. Archival research reveals how the engagement of students influenced social change across America, and by specifically focusing on sources from NMU, this paper explores how the local area reveals the larger progressive movements and changes taking place all around the United States during this time. Since the emergence of the Native American Studies program at NMU during the 1970s, the program has continued to grow and develop.

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