Internships in Native American & Indigenous Studies

The NAIS major is intended to provide an important basis for a career on or near indigenous communities and in Native serving institutions. Internships can help students gain important experiential learning and to connect with the network of professionals in their chosen career. Coursework in the major and minor are designed to help students understand and function well in the likely careers of their choice. Those wishing to go onto graduate school will also find coursework that will strengthen research, writing and critical thinking skills that will serve them well!

In the early years of our program, internships have already been developed with local government agencies, including tribal agencies, with schools, local businesses and even with national offices serving indigenous peoples.  Summer internships are often worked out between students and businesses and agencies in their home communities, giving students valuable work experience and personal contacts in the most relevant jobs available.   Several students have also found that working with appropriate job sites leads to graduate studies, as they become aware of the need for specialized degrees in crucial areas of community development. 

One intern worked in a diabetes prevention program, designing media materials and school presentations. Some have completed teaching certification here at FLC and used their NAIS major in that career. One student interned in the regional office of one of Colorado’s congressmen. Another worked with a tribal news paper and radio station, while another intern worked as an aid to a tribal council member. These are just a few examples of interesting internships our students have been able to create, working with the NAIS coordinator and professionals in exciting careers.

The NAIS program can also help students connect with many national internships.  With special arrangements, those internships can also be credited toward the NAIS major or minor.  A rather extensive collection of materials about national competitively available internships is available in the NAIS office. 

Working with the NAIS coordinator, students may develop internships that serve their interests in some creative ways.  Be sure to contact the NAIS coordinator as you plan your internship!