Indigenous Histories, Power, and Social Justice

History 10188-01
Open Closing on March 27, 2025 / 1 spot left
College of Wooster
Wooster, Ohio, United States
Associate Professor
2
Timeline
  • April 2, 2025
    Experience start
  • April 5, 2025
    Project Kickoff
  • April 17, 2025
    Research & Data Collection
  • April 24, 2025
    Analysis & Drafting Phase
  • May 8, 2025
    Project Showcase & Reflection
  • May 10, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
1 projects wanted
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Any company type
Any industries

Experience scope

Categories
Social work History Social justice
Skills
indigenous studies critical thinking policy evaluation research papers interdisciplinary research social justice research
Student goals and capabilities

Learners in this course develop a strong understanding of Indigenous worldviews, histories, and contemporary struggles, particularly regarding power, privilege, and social justice. They can critically analyze the systemic and structural inequalities faced by Indigenous communities, assess the impact of settler colonialism, and interpret different perspectives on sovereignty, activism, and identity. Learners will be able to engage in discussions on intersectionality, structural inequity, and historical and contemporary Indigenous issues using evidence-based reasoning.


Employers partnering with these learners will benefit from their ability to:

  • Identify and analyze systemic barriers facing Indigenous communities, both historically and today.
  • Communicate Indigenous perspectives clearly and respectfully, drawing on reliable sources.
  • Navigate conversations about equity, reconciliation, and social responsibility in professional settings.
  • Provide well-researched, practical recommendations for inclusive policies and community engagement.
  • Bring interdisciplinary thinking and cultural awareness to project work, helping organizations become more socially responsible and community-focused.


Students

Students
Undergraduate
Beginner, Intermediate levels
9 students
Project
30 hours per student
Educators assign students to projects
Teams of 5
Expected outcomes and deliverables

Project Outcomes:

Learners will apply their knowledge to real-world challenges by analyzing issues affecting Indigenous communities and proposing actionable solutions. They will engage in applied research, develop communication tools, and reflect on the social and cultural impacts of their work.


Deliverables to Employers:

  • Research Brief or Report – A concise, professional summary of a historical or current issue (e.g., land rights, education access, healthcare disparities) with clear insights and relevance to your organization’s context.
  • Policy Brief – An actionable evaluation of a contemporary policy challenge affecting Indigenous communities, including evidence-based recommendations.
  • Presentation – A multimedia or oral presentation on Indigenous activism, legal issues, or community-based initiatives—designed for a general audience or stakeholder group.


Project timeline
  • April 2, 2025
    Experience start
  • April 5, 2025
    Project Kickoff
  • April 17, 2025
    Research & Data Collection
  • April 24, 2025
    Analysis & Drafting Phase
  • May 8, 2025
    Project Showcase & Reflection
  • May 10, 2025
    Experience end

Project Examples

Requirements

Here are examples of projects learners are equipped to support:


  • Cultural Competency Review – Helping your team build a stronger understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories relevant to your sector or region.
  • Policy Evaluation – Assessing the impact of current legislation or organizational policies on Indigenous communities, and offering inclusive alternatives.
  • Research & Content Creation – Producing accessible, educational content (articles, reports, presentations) on Indigenous issues for internal or external use.
  • Community Engagement Strategy – Providing guidance on how to meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities in ways that are respectful and mutually beneficial.
  • Equity Audit Support – Identifying gaps in equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts related to Indigenous peoples, with suggestions for improvement.


Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

  • Q1 - Text short
    What is the main goal of this project, and how does it relate to Indigenous history, knowledge, or social justice?  *
  • Q2 - Text short
    What final deliverables are you expecting from student teams? (e.g., research report, policy brief, digital content, educational materials, social media campaign, etc.)  *
  • Q3 - Text short
    What level of collaboration and check-ins do you expect from the teams? (e.g., weekly updates, mid-project reviews)  *
  • Q4 - Text short
    Are there specific cultural protocols or guidelines they should be aware of when working on this project?  *
  • Q5 - Text short
    Would you be open to providing testimonials or endorsements for students who successfully complete the project?