Why Indigenous Leadership Matters in Higher Education

In this lecture, Yakama scholar and author, Michelle M. Jacob, draws from the beautiful lessons she has learned in her community’s cultural teachings—and over her research, writing, and teaching career—to help guide attendees through a critically important topic: All peoples benefit when Indigenous ways of knowing and being are respected and honored in higher education. Jacob will share models of how institutions can build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, and in doing so will explain why a commitment to Tribal sovereignty benefits all peoples in higher education.

As an Indigenous sociologist, Jacob weaves together the knowledge from her Yakama cultural teachings, broader Indigenous Studies scholarship, and engages in multilevel analyses, providing insight into social and institutional changes that can happen at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Thus, in Jacob’s writing and speaking, there is a constant invitation for those who are interested and bring a good heart—all are welcome to be part of this project of decolonization that centers Indigenous self-determination.

Throughout the lecture, Jacob will share examples of critical and generative pedagogies that attendees can use in their own teaching, research, service (and everyday life!), including: Elder pedagogy, Indigenous feminist pedagogy, and Storytelling pedagogy. Haven’t you heard? The future is Indigenous! Join us in this wonderful and affirming journey.