Indigenous Organizations

Cheryl Ellenwood   Danielle Hiraldo   

This course examines Indigenous organizations and Indigenous organizational concepts through the lens of Native Nation building. It seeks to discuss the role of community-based organizations (Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving) as key stakeholders in the nation building process. We will introduce a regional, national, and global perspective to Indigenous organizations (via networks and intermediaries) as socio-political actors within Indigenous communities that effectuate change. Students will walk away with a framework for assessing social and institutional environments that acknowledges the value of Indigenous organizations and community building.

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• Understand how organizations in Indigenous communities work to solve community challenges.
• Examine the ways Indigenous organizations work to maintain healthy communities and their role within the Native Nation building framework.
• Analyze the benefits and challenges of Indigenous community-based organizations.
• Understand the distinction between organizational outputs and outcomes, i.e. social impact.