The SKC Indigenous Research Center StudyFrogs, Funding, findings, future

Regina Sievert and Cecilia ArnouxDepartment of Secondary Education, Salish Kootenai College

FROGSThe SKC Faculty Research Group – Lori

Lambert, Carol Baldwin, Mary BigBow, Co Carew, Regina Sievert, Shandin Pete, Frank Finley

Informal meetings - At SKC for commiserating, generating, incubating

Our epiphany – We need more resources to support students/faculty in pursuing Indigenous research.

FUNDINGOur thought - Request for funding from NSF

to establish an Indigenous research center at SKC

NSF’s thought – Request for funding to conduct a needs assessment and self study

Funded – One year grant to evaluate the value and feasibility of establishing an IRC

FINDINGS TO DATE

Working with Montana Tribal colleges and communities

Surveying TCU students, faculty members

Interviewing Tribal elders, college administrators, Tribal government officials and department heads

ELDERS INTERVIEWSWe are different from the rest of the

United States. If there was to be research done and in the “right way”, a respectful way, it would be a good thing to help our people.

I just want to see this research center be a reality and do what it supposed to do. People will use it.

It’s not just for us, but for the future.Start now, don’t wait until tomorrow.

FACULTY SURVEY (N=38)

FACULTY SURVEY (N=38)

FACULTY SURVEY (N=38)

FACULTY SURVEY (N=38)

FACULTY SURVEY (N=38)

STUDENT SURVEY (N=79)

STUDENT SURVEY (N=79)

STUDENT SURVEY (N=79)

SKC ADMINISTRATOR INTERVIEWSI am hoping that (the center) will take

life. It belongs in a tribal college… I think this is very important. It’s us doing instead of it being done to us.

The center would help people to do their research around Indigenous issues in a more responsible and respectful way.

An Indigenous research center is another tool students will have to help them be more successful wherever they end up.

FUTURE MOVES

Continue our data collection and analyses

Report our findings to our partners and NSF

Use our findings to help us secure funding for the center, if deemed appropriate

Suggestions or Questions?

Please contact us:

Cecilia_Arnoux@skc.edu, 406-275-4753

Regina_Sievert@skc.edu, 406-275-4995

Louie Adams

Mike Durglo, Sr.

Pat Pierre