Cangleska Waste' (Good Circle) Program

The Cangleska Waste’ Program uses a holistic model that provides the family-centered orientation of tribal life for American Indian students.

The program encourages student-centered planning and cultural and navigational experiences that will help students cultivate a deeper cultural footprint while at NSU.

 

We help students navigate college life from the time they arrive through graduation. We're a place where building connectedness and a sense of community contributes to the personal growth of our American Indian/Alaska Native students. 

 

A silhouette before a multicolored background holds a native-themed decorative object near the words "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.

 

To learn more or register for the Native and Indigenous Studies minor, contact:

 

Lara Nelson

American Indian Circle Program director and academic advisor

lara.nelson@northern.edu

605-626-3573

Mewaldt-Jensen 109

 

Dedicated Student Services

  • Individualized academic advising to help students from first day through graduation
  • Mentoring program
  • Weeklong bridge program to build community and help with the transition from home to a college setting
  • Tribal higher education and scholarship assistance
  • Financial literacy workshops
  • Specialized skill-building sessions
  • American Indian internship opportunities
  • Dedicated program office with student lounge
  • Connection to the Native American Student Association (NASA)
  • Networking
  • Professional/elder/community support

Academic Offerings

  • Connection to tutoring center/peer tutors
  • Feathering/graduation ceremony
  • Crazy Horse Memorial Scholarship

Campuswide Events

  • Cultural speaker series
  • American Indian/Alaska Native issues
  • Feathering/graduation banquet
  • Crazy Horse Scholarship banquet
  • Workshops (elder storytelling, talking circle, cultural presentations)

Forms