Indigenous Illinois 101: Making ISU’s Land Acknowledgment into Pedagogy and Practice

Illinois State University’s land acknowledgment lists thirteen different tribes that once occupied the land on which our campus now stands. What it doesn’t tell us is who these people are, what happened to them, and what this might mean for us today. Finally, if we know these things, what do we do with this knowledge?

This workshop presents the Indigenous history of Central Illinois prior to Indian removal in 1832, with a focus on three tribes: the Peoria, Myaamia, and Kickapoo. Participants will get an overview of their specific histories and cultures and then explore ways to apply this new knowledge base towards indigenizing one’s own pedagogy in the college classroom, regardless of discipline.

This workshop has applications beyond local history and native studies. The final project asks participants to think through ways to incorporate Native epistemologies and Indigenous praxis and scholarship into existing courses. 

A $300 stipend is available to eligible participants who complete the program. Registration is required.