The interdisciplinary approach allows students to participate in seminars while also studying in their individual academic interest areas. Curriculum development for the academic year begins with community involvement the previous spring. Students and tribal representatives identify educational goals and curriculum topics. A primary goal of this process is the development of students' ability to be effective inside and outside the Native community. Using suggestions received, the faculty develop an interdisciplinary curriculum and texts, methods and resources to assist the learning process.
Students make the learning appropriate to their community.
Material is taught using a tribal perspective and issues related to tribal communities are often the topics of discussion. Scholarship and critical thinking skills are assessed as part of student evaluations. This program is primarily designed for upper-division students seeking a liberal arts degree. Program themes change yearly on a rotating basis. The theme for 2001-02 is Healthy Communities.