Wells College Offers New Minor in First Nations and Indigenous Studies

This spring the Wells faculty approved the addition of a minor in First Nations and Indigenous Studies to the college’s curriculum, according to Ellen W. Hall, Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The primary focus of the minor is on peoples of North and South America while also inclusive of indigenous peoples in other parts of the world such as Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia.

“The First Nations and Indigenous Studies Minor is part of a comprehensive effort that demonstrates the college’s developing commitment to indigenous peoples on a local and global scale,” said Assistant Professor of Psychology Jill S.H. Hill, who has been appointed coordinator of the program. 

The minor is multidisciplinary and students will be exposed to a wide range of viewpoints from the fields of anthropology, psychology, religion, and women’s studies, among others. Required courses include Indigenous Peoples of North America, Maya Ethnography, Native Americans and the Environment, and The Global Clash of Cultures. 

Hill said students will also benefit from internships, off-campus study, and service opportunities already available at the college. These include the Hawaii Field Experience, research in Belize, cross-registration in Ithaca College’s Native American Studies Program, a link with the Onondaga Nation School through Wells’ teacher education program, and involvement in the Peachtown Native American Festival held annually in Aurora.

“Wells’ location within the heart of Cayuga Nation Territory strengthens the importance of this minor within our curriculum,” Hill said. “We are in a prime position to offer exposure and opportunities for learning that students normally would not have access to at other colleges. Our location provides the foundation for critically examining current Native American issues.” 

Hill joined the Wells faculty in the fall of 2004 and earned her B.A. and M.A. from Loyola College (Maryland). She is completing her Ph.D., which will be awarded by the University of Oklahoma. She has taught at San Diego State University, University of California at Irvine, University of Oklahoma, and Loyola College. Her desire to aid typically under-served and marginalized populations and communities motivated her to pursue her studies in the counseling psychology field. 

For more information about the First Nations minor and other courses of study at Wells College, please go to www.wells.edu or contact Communications Director Kelly Tehan at 315/364-3260.

May, 2005

Two week-long workshops provide new insight into the art of the book

Sarah Roberts, director of book arts initiatives at Wells College, is pleased to announce the inaugural Book Arts Summer Institute. The Institute will be offered in two, one-week sessions this summer: Session I is June 19 – 25, and Session II is June 26 – July 2.  Workshop participants will have the opportunity to work with nationally recognized book artists in a personalized focused setting. The workshops, which will teach letterpress printing, hand book binding, and calligraphy, are limited to 8 - 12 people; advance registration is required. More information may be found at www.wells.edu/bookarts or by contacting the Wells Book Arts Center at 315/364-3420.

Beginners, experts, and everyone in between are welcome to participate in the Wells Book Arts Summer Institute classes. Participants will enjoy outstanding personal instruction from distinguished faculty, 24-hour access to well-equipped studios, and ample time to exchange ideas and enjoy camaraderie with fellow book artists. In addition to daily classes, there will be slide shows, field trips, and a farewell dinner.

“For years, we have had requests for summer book arts workshops,” says Roberts. “We are very pleased to offer our first season of classes open to the general public. We want the Summer Institute to be accessible and educational for everyone.”

Session I, which runs June 19 – 25, will focus on non-traditional approaches to printing and book binding. Book artists Julia Leonard and Sara Langworthy will lead these classes. Session II, scheduled for June 26 – July 2, will explore the creation of narrative using either calligraphy or printing. These classes will be taught by Nancy Leavitt and Walter Tisdale.

The Institute is offered on the Wells College campus, a beautiful lakeside setting in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Tuition for each week is $600. Meal and lodging packages are available for an additional cost. 

The Wells College Book Arts Center was established in 1993 to instruct in all areas of book arts and technologies. Students in book arts classes and workshops learn the history and philosophy of their craft as they develop hand skills in the fabrication of books. They gain international perspective on book arts with visits from accomplished lecturers, writers, and artists, and with field trips to the area’s remarkable collection of libraries, presses, paper mills and binderies. 

For more information about the Wells Book Arts Summer Institute and to register for the workshops, please call 315/364-3420, email Sarah Roberts at smroberts@wells.edu or visit www.wells.edu/bookarts.

May, 2005

Fund creates annual residency for a Native American scholar

Wells has received a gift of $4,000 which will be matched by the College to establish a fund that will bring a Native American scholar to campus each academic year for a residency. 

The Juliana James Native American Visiting Scholar fund will support broader campus diversity initiatives such as the Peachtown Native American Festival and the new First Nations and Indigenous Studies Minor, which will be offered for the first time next fall.

Nine friends and family of Juliana James have contributed funds in her honor. She was an artist who lived much of her life in New Mexico and was widely respected as an advocate for women’s reproductive rights and social justice. Among her many contributions, she founded Santa Fe Woman’s Services, which focuses on serving minority mothers, and was a fundraiser for the Women’s Health Clinic. She was an anti-Vietnam War activist, risking her life to express her beliefs. James is the grandmother of Wells psychology professor Victoria Muñoz.

According to guidelines established by the donors, the Juliana James Native American Visiting Scholar will be selected annually by a group of Wells faculty, students, and staff, who identify as Native American, and will be convened by the academic dean. 

The donors’ statement reads in part, “Since Wells is located within the Cayuga Nation territory, one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee [Iroquois], it is right to develop and sustain mutual respect, understanding, and knowledge between the college and the Haudenosaunee. This would be what Juliana would do.” 

The Juliana James Native American Visiting Scholar may be an artist, musician, academic scholar, leader, or teacher from the six nations of the Haudenosuanee. Faith-keepers, Clan Mothers, educators, storytellers, and chiefs of the Six Nations are named by the donors as possible visiting scholars. 

The Juliana James Native American Visiting Scholar, depending on her or his areas of expertise, may offer workshops, lectures, art exhibits, or performances. The scholar may also offer a course for a full-semester or for a shorter period.

Juliana James (1913-2000) was born in Old Bennington, Vermont and studied art at Bennington College. She moved with her husband, William, to Santa Fe in 1968 where her reputation as an artist blossomed. William (1913-1995) was born in Boston and studied at the American Academy in Rome; he was known for making fine violins. He was the grandson of philosopher William James and great-nephew of author Henry James. In 1991, Julie and Bill were named “Living Treasures of Santa Fe.”

For additional information about the Juliana James Native American Visiting Scholar fund, please contact Communications Director Kelly Tehan at 315/364-3260

Photo credit: Joanne Rijmes

May, 2005
 
 

Wells College News Archive
 

Last updated 09/20/2005