Update
Plateau Center for American Indian Studies

JUST A FEW MONTHS after publication of the first issue of ask. magazine, in which we told you about plans to establish a Plateau Center for American Indian Studies, we received news of a $100,000 federal appropriation to plan the center and continue work on the Northwest Regional Native American Project (NRNAP), conducted with three other land-grant universities. Building on that federal support, the College of Liberal Arts has requested funding for a director, assistant director, and clerical staff for the next budget cycle.

Together we are working to serve Native American students and to better educate all students about American Indian culture, history, and governance. In late September, Dean Barbara Couture and Associate Dean Marina Tolmacheva attended the 50th anniversary conference of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) and presented a progress report on the Plateau project. ATNI, representing more than 50 tribes and organizations, has supported the Plateau Center and NRNAP projects with two resolutions, formally passed in assembly.

Once realized, the Plateau Center for American Indian Studies will support curriculum development, scholarships, transitional programs, and research to benefit American Indian students and to enhance the education of all WSU students in the culture, languages, history, politics, and social, educational, and economic development of American Indians.