Native American Studies at NMSU seeks to develop a strong understanding of culture, Indigenous knowledge, expressive cultures, and sovereignty.
About the Program
The BEST Native American Studies program emphasizes developing Native-focused scholarship in Native identity, tribal sovereignty, decolonization, cultural expressions, traditional knowledge, and community building among Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Our program informs the next generation of leaders in contemporary Native American Studies theory and research methodologies, primarily relational, collaborative, participatory, and focused on community action.
Courses
The Native American Studies program is dedicated to promoting Indigenous-focused scholarship in various areas such as Native identity, tribal sovereignty, decolonization, cultural expressions, traditional knowledge, and community building. It aims to equip the next generation of leaders with contemporary knowledge and research methodologies, primarily relational, collaborative, participatory, and community-focused. By doing so, the program seeks to engage Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in creating positive and lasting change.
From L-R, Mescalero Apache Tribal members, Lauren Gallerito, Phoenix Pino, Joylynn Blake and Rachel Peganse, pose with BESTie and Jaggie Sounds podcast host, Anita Lara (Tortugas Pueblo), after their fantastic presentation at the 2025 College of HEST Diversity Council Community Summit.
