American Indian Studies

Welcome to the American Indian Studies Department

"CSUSM sits on the traditional territory and homelands of the Luiseño/Payómkawichum people. It is also important to acknowledge that this land remains the shared space among the Kuupangaxwichem/Cupeño and Kumeyaay and Ipai peoples." 

AIS 230: Artist Showcase with Tongva and Acjachemen painter, Monica Zavala

American Indian Studies (AIS) at CSU San Marcos is committed to Indigenous academic excellence and community based participatory research. The American Indian Studies Department offers both a Major and Minor and has four academic concentrations (American Indian Studies, American Indian Health and Wellness, Law & Government & Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Climate Justice). AIS focuses on fostering culturally adept graduates through comprehesive studies, community research and active Tribal collaboration, who will contribute to the workforce, including providing leadership to Tribal Nations and Indigenous Organizations. Our courses include tribal community engagement—with guest lectures, field trips, participatory research, and service-learning activities. AIS collaborates with Native communities, The California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center and engages students in scholarly academic activities that promote and strengthen Tribal and cultural sovereignty.  See our list of  over 30 courses.

News

In collaboration with the California Indian Culture and Soveignty Center and our AIS students check out our monthly newsletter to see what fun stuff our department is working on : CICSC Newsletters | California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC) | CSUSM