The American Indian Circle Program provides support in all aspects of college life for American Indian and Alaska Native students from the time of admission to graduation. We help students build community that reflects the family-centered orientation of tribal life while providing them with cultural experiences and opportunities to grow as both an individual and student.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
- Personalized academic advising
- Pre-orientation program to help students acclimate to campus, meet their peers, and transition into college life
- Easy connection to resources such as advising, career design, and tutoring as part of the Student Success Center
- Feathering ceremony for graduates
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
- Assistance locating and applying for tribal aid
- Gerianne Pfeiffer Student Scholarship Fund
- Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Scholarship
- External scholarships
SOCIAL AND CAMPUS OFFERINGS
- Dedicated program office with student lounge
- Experienced student peer mentors work to guide students
- Monthly campus smudge gathering
- Programming to educate students and community on Native American culture and issues
- Native American Student Association (NASA)
- Partnership with local Native American student and community groups
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Northern student wins recognition with Lakota ceremonies research
Northern State University Honors student Jaeden Shaving won first place in the National Collegiate Honors Council annual conference diversity poster category for his research titled “The Sacred Rites: The Meaning Behind Lakota Spiritual Ceremonies.”
Native and Indigenous Studies Minor
Northern offers a Native and Indigenous Studies minor, which features Lakota language classes; experiential learning opportunities, including a traveling classroom; and new courses in Native identity and resiliency, global indigenous media, and Federal Indian law. This minor will help students draw connections between local Native American experiences and global indigenous cultures within a broad range of topics. View coursework requirements