Professor Gregory Gagnon will identify and explain the role that history and culture has played in the continuing experience of American Indians within the United States. He will offer a narrative on the development of the historic Native American tribes, their encounters with European and American societies, and their survival within the United States. A brief description of present-day tribal governments, reservations, and challenges will precede an extended question and answer period. Audience members are encouraged to pursue their interests through questions to which Dr. Gagnon will offer responses.
Participants of this class will be guaranteed premium seating at the optional Special Saturday, December 2 lecture by Dr. Gannon being held at the Native American Museum in Bentonville beginning at 5:30 pm.
At his second lecture, Professor Gagnon will offer a general description of the relationship of American Indians and their governments to the population and government of the United States. He provides information about traditional American cultures and nations from time immemorial and since they were brought into the United States. Dr. Gagnon summarizes the current legal status of tribal governments and highlights the twenty-first century challenges and achievements of American Indians and their nations. He also describes the current federal Indian policy of Self-Determination in a Government to Government relationship.