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Culture

Be the Brains Behind the Change

Enhance your knowledge at the Center for World Indigenous Studies.

Engage in studies that are important to your personal and professional life.

Join a community of activist scholars.

Enhance your Knowledge

New Free Course!

This course explores indigenous knowledge systems, the benefits of wild plants for health and medicine, and the negative effects of climate change on wild plants and Indigenous Peoples who rely on them. It also provides specific steps about how to become an activist scholar and a community change maker, in order to apply and share the principles of Indigenous ways of knowing with the purpose of protecting and nourishing the environment.

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Farrah Garan

Farrah Garan, MA

CWIS Certificate in Fourth World Studies with a focus on Consciousness Studies.
“My studies at CWIS enabled me to explore my deep, burning questions. I was given just the right balance of direction and guidance, while still having ample space to follow my heart I am very grateful for CWIS and for Dr. Ryser who guided me with gentleness, while channeling my passion and exploration into something that was both academic and heart-felt.”
Sandi Loytomaki

Sandi Loytomaki, B.S.

CWIS Certificate in Fourth World Studies with a focus on Traditional Medicine
"The CWIS certificate program prepared me for excellence in clinical service. Since graduating  I have been able to apply Traditional Medicine principles in modern life both personally and professionally.  A unique side benefit was the  I was ability to survive fully recovery from a  'terminal' illness."
Elise Krohn

Elise Krohn, M.Ed.

"The CWIS Certificate Program provided me with a knowledge-base to build a unique career in ethnobiology and ethnonutrition. I am grateful to my mentors at CWIS who helped me to build skills to work cross-culturally, to listen to community needs and to develop relevant resources. I not only received an education, but I explored how I learn best and how to empower others to engage in their own learning as well.."
Amy Desjarlais

Amy Desjarlais, B.A., MA

CWIS Certificate in Fourth World Studies with a focus on Consciousness Studies.
“I am profoundly grateful for the CWIS Certificate program. My Indigenous thoughts, ideals, and consciousness were valued and affirmed...vitally important to my well being and confidence participating in academia. Chi miigwetch to my mentor, and to everyone involved in the program.”
Katharine G. Rosenmeyer

Katharine G. Rosenmeyer, B.A

“By participating in the CWIS certificate program, I received PhD level insight into indigenous governance issues working directly with Dr. Ryser. I now have a depth of knowledge and context for decision making that I use working for my Tribe. I can contribute to the future of my tribe in practical ways that measurably contribute to Nation-building and strengthening of our Sovereignty.”

Activate your potential with our courses

Duration: 3 hour 25 min.

Native Roots Greener Futures

Walking The Kálhaculture Way

This course explores indigenous knowledge systems, the benefits of wild plants for health and medicine, and the negative effects of climate change on wild plants and Indigenous Peoples who rely on them. It also provides specific steps about how to become an activist scholar and a community change maker, in order to apply and share the principles of Indigenous ways of knowing with the purpose of protecting and nourishing the environment.

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Duration: 5 hrs.

Exploring Intelligence from an Indigenous Perspective

This course will take you on a journey that begins with ancient beliefs and travels through historical perceptions to our current understanding of intelligence from the lens of indigenous peoples. Together, we visit several indigenous cultures around the globe, exploring histories and lifestyles, and immersing ourselves into how indigenous peoples define and perceive intelligence.

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Duration: 57 min.

Essentials of Mental Health Nutrition

Effective Strategies to balance mood and enhance cognitive function.

The course reviews the revolution in mental health treatment that recognizes the specific role of diet and nutrition in mental health.

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Duration: 59 min.

Environmental Justice in Indian Country

Understanding What Environmental Justice is and How it Functions in Indian Country

This course will outline the basic framework of what environmental justice (and injustice) is for Native nations in the U.S. With the story of Standing Rock and the #NoDapl movement as a foundational example.

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Duration: 26 min.

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

The fundamentals of Western Herbalism

This course introduces some of the fundamentals of Western Herbalism. We explore a variety of cultures that have contributed to the canon of western herbalism and then explore a framework for beginning the practice of herbalism for self care.

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