Indigenous Student Seminar

AUGUST 8-12, 2022
at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University

Part of the Hoover Project on Renewing Indigenous Economies, the Indigenous Student Seminar is an intensive, four-day immersion program exploring federal policy, tribal governance, and indigenous entrepreneurship. The goal is to help Indigenous college students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal Indian policy and self-determination.

During the week, students will learn about the evolution of property rights and trade networks before European contact; the philosophical underpinnings of indigenous notions of individualism and governance; the effects of persistent colonial policies on indigenous people and communities; and the innovations in Indian Country that are restoring self-determination and spurring economic growth.

Session topics are selected because of their immediate relevance to the challenges and opportunities facing Indian Country. Particular attention will be paid to the building blocks of meaningful sovereignty: secure land title for indigenous people; clear jurisdiction recognizing tribal authority; customs and culture informing tribal governance; and fiscal power to set local priorities and meet community needs.

Participants will collaborate through class discussions and study groups that encourage diverse perspectives. Enrollment is limited, in order to facilitate maximum interaction with the faculty and other participants.

TIME COMMITMENT

Hoover’s Indigenous Student Seminar requires a 100% time commitment for the duration of the four-day program, including active collaboration with study groups outside of class.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Stanford University does not offer participants academic credit or grades for completing the Indigenous Student Seminar.

COST/ TUITION

The Indigenous Student Seminar is FREE to all accepted applicants. Program fees, food and lodging will be covered for participants accepted into the program. Travel expenses and other incidentals are not included.

DEADLINE

April 18, 2022 • Applications & Letters of Recommendation Due

Apply Now: https://www.hoover.org/indigenous-student-seminar-application

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Successful participants receive a certificate of completion endorsed by Hoover Institution's director and the Indigenous Student Seminar faculty directors. To successfully complete the program, participants must:

Attend all sessions;
Complete assignments and projects; and
Collaborate with their fellow participants in class discussions.
For any questions related to the program, please email IndigenousEcon@stanford.edu.

ABOUT THE INAUGURAL INDIGENOUS STUDENT SEMINAR

The Hoover Institution launched its Indigenous Student Seminar in 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was held in two parts.

Part I: Virtual Gathering
“Simply getting access to share the same space as scholars who have a variety of knowledge bases and experiences—and [who] also share a common commitment and investment to the next generation of Native leaders—is exactly what I needed during these very difficult times,” one of the participating students said.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates should submit an essay explaining how this program fits into their professional or educational goals (500 words maximum), a CV, a completed application form, and two letters of reference.

Apply at Hoover.org by April 18.

Please provide this link to your recommenders: https://hvr.co/RIE-LOR

The seminar content is geared toward advanced undergrads, recent grads, and early grad students and law students.