Ongoing U.S. Settler Colonialism & Native Peoples Teach-Out from Coursera

Increasingly, terms such as “colonialism,” “decolonization,” and “social structures,” appear in media, conversations, and educational spaces, often without nuanced explanations of these concepts and how they relate to current U.S. society and the individuals in it.

To provide a space to think, learn, and feel about these concepts as realities connected to everyone, this course offers many entry points to deepen understandings about the U.S. as a current settler colonial nation, to engage with contemporary Indigenous Peoples/Native Nations, and to recognize how participants’ own lives, interests, and professional domains intersect with settler colonialism.

This course highlights perspectives from Indigenous Peoples/Native Nations while focusing on examples of ongoing settler colonialism as it shows up in education, law, food systems, media, land, gender, race/ethnicity, and health/medicine, among others.

Additionally, this course offers a framework consisting of four cornerstones that reveal how ongoing settler colonialism in the United States: 1) attempts to eliminate Indigenous Peoples, 2) imposes ideas of property, 3) produces anti-relationality, and 4) naturalizes the assumption of limited options.

Through the framework + Native perspectives and knowledge, participants will better understand ongoing settler colonialism while (re)imagining anti-colonial processes in the U.S. as a way to co-create thriving futures for everyone.

This Teach-Out does not issue certificates of completion.

What's inside

Syllabus

MIYOONAKISHKATOOHK! (WELCOME!)

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' HOMELANDS: THE U.S. AS A SETTLER COLONIAL NATION

This module introduces the U.S. as a current settler colonial nation and guides participants in considering their own relationships (or lack thereof) with diverse and numerous Indigenous Peoples/Native Nations

THE ENDURING PRESENCE OF NATIVE PEOPLES AND SETTLER COLONIALISM’S ATTEMPT TO ELIMINATE

This module provides the first cornerstone in understanding ongoing settler colonialism—the attempt to eliminate Native Peoples. Additionally, this module showcases the enduring presence of Native Peoples despite settler colonialism's ongoing attempts of erasure.

INDIGENOUS UNDERSTANDINGS OF LAND AND THE SETTLER COLONIAL IMPOSITION OF PROPERTY

This module provides the second cornerstone in understanding ongoing settler colonialism—the imposition of property, ownership, and possession. Furthermore, this module highlights pre-colonial (which are also current), Indigenous approaches to land, knowledge, and more-than-human relatives that are not rooted in ownership and possession.

CENTRALITY OF RELATIONSHIPS IN INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEWS AND SETTLER COLONIAL PRODUCTIONS OF ANTI-RELATIONALITY

This module outlines the third cornerstone in understanding ongoing settler colonialism—the production of anti-relationality via the erasure, damage, and unavailability of certain kinds of relationships between people, land, ideas, cultures, and more-than-human relatives. This settler colonial anti-relationality prioritizes principles of individualism, human-centeredness, and ownership/property. Additionally, this module demonstrates the centrality of meaningful relationships in Indigenous worldviews and the importance of interconnection, care, responsibility, collectivity, consideration, and reciprocity.

DREAMING OF ANTI-COLONIAL FUTURES DESPITE SETTLER COLONIALISM’S LIMITED OPTIONS

This module provides the fourth cornerstone in understanding ongoing settler colonialism—the naturalization (making it seem typical and unremarkable to all people in the U.S.) to have limited life options. Specifically, settler colonialism socializes individuals, families, and groups of people into assuming there are only certain settler colonial-approved ways—often singular, binary, or on a narrow spectrum—to learn, pray, create a family, love, participate economically, rest, eat, organize time, dress, govern, birth, die, attend to health, work, generate/share knowledge, be in relationships, conduct research, and so much more. Furthermore, this module highlights the expansive possibilities that exist for social configurations, governing, worldviews, and more that Indigenous knowledges and futures show us.

MÍNA KAAWAAPAMITIIN! (SEE YOU LATER!)

***

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In this course, learners will engage with Indigenous Peoples/Native Nations and their perspectives while reflecting on their own lives

Assistant and Associate Professors of Critical Race Theory in Indigenous Contexts with emphasis on education and law

Develops perspectives on contemporary Indigenous issues by examining resilience and decolonization

Introduces learners to the concept of ongoing settler colonialism and its presence in modern US society

Examines the impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in the United States

Does not issue certificates of completion

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ongoing U.S. Settler Colonialism & Native Peoples Teach-Out with these activities:

Review key concepts of U.S. history

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This activity will refresh your understanding of essential U.S. historical events and concepts that provide context for the course material on settler colonialism.

Browse courses on U.S. History

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Create a timeline of major events in U.S. history.
Identify key figures and their roles in shaping the nation's history.
Analyze primary source documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Explore online resources on Indigenous knowledge systems

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This activity introduces you to diverse Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives, broadening your understanding of the complexities of settler colonialism.

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Identify reputable online resources on Indigenous knowledge systems.
Explore various perspectives and teachings on Indigenous knowledge.
Reflect on the implications of Indigenous knowledge systems for decolonizing practices.

Read 'An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. history from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, offering a critical lens on settler colonialism.

View An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United... on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on the key arguments and evidence presented.
Identify connections between the book's content and the course material.

Four other activities

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Participate in peer discussion groups

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This activity facilitates deeper engagement with course material and diverse perspectives, fostering collaborative learning and critical thinking.

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Join or form peer discussion groups.
Prepare for discussions by reviewing course material and readings.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and perspectives.

Volunteer at a local Indigenous organization

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This activity provides hands-on experience in supporting Indigenous communities, fostering empathy and practical understanding of the impacts of settler colonialism.

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Identify a local Indigenous organization that aligns with your interests.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer orientation and training.
Engage in meaningful volunteer activities.

Create a visual representation of settler colonialism in the United States

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This activity encourages you to synthesize your understanding of settler colonialism by creating a visual representation that illustrates its impact on Indigenous peoples and U.S. society.

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Choose a format for your visual representation (e.g., infographic, poster, video).
Gather data and evidence to support your representation.
Design and create your visual representation.

Develop a research proposal on a topic related to settler colonialism

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This activity challenges you to apply your knowledge of settler colonialism to a specific research topic, fostering critical thinking and research skills.

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Identify a research question that aligns with the course material.
Conduct a literature review to gather background information.
Develop a research methodology.
Write a research proposal outlining your project.

Career center

Learners who complete Ongoing U.S. Settler Colonialism & Native Peoples Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Indigenous Education Coordinator

As an Indigenous Education Coordinator, you are responsible for developing and implementing educational programs that are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of Indigenous students. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous Peoples in education. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to create programs that are truly effective in meeting the needs of your students.

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Native American Studies Professor

As a Native American Studies Professor, you will teach courses on the history, culture, and politics of Native American peoples. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the field of Native American Studies, as well as the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to be an effective educator. You will also gain a deep understanding of the ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, which will be essential for you to be able to teach your students about the complex issues facing Native American communities today.

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Tribal Policy Analyst

As a Tribal Policy Analyst, you will conduct research and analysis on policies that affect Native American tribes. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the legal and political challenges facing Native American tribes today. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to conduct effective research and analysis, and to make recommendations that will benefit Native American communities.

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Cultural Anthropologist

As a Cultural Anthropologist, you will study the cultures of different societies. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the different ways that Indigenous Peoples have resisted and adapted to colonialism. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to conduct effective research and analysis, and to make recommendations that will benefit Indigenous communities.

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Museum curator

As a Museum Curator, you will be responsible for managing and preserving museum collections. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the ethical issues involved in collecting and displaying Indigenous artifacts. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to curate exhibitions that are respectful of Indigenous cultures and that promote understanding of the complex history of the United States.

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Archivist

As an Archivist, you will be responsible for preserving and providing access to historical documents. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of preserving Indigenous voices and perspectives. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to curate collections that are inclusive and that promote understanding of the complex history of the United States.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, you will be responsible for reporting on current events and issues. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of reporting on Indigenous issues in a fair and accurate manner. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to produce journalism that is informative and that promotes understanding of the complex issues facing Indigenous communities today.

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Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you will be responsible for representing clients in legal matters. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the legal challenges facing Indigenous Peoples today. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to effectively represent your clients and to advocate for their rights.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will be responsible for providing support and services to individuals and families. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the unique challenges facing Indigenous Peoples today. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to provide culturally competent services to your clients and to advocate for their needs.

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Community Organizer

As a Community Organizer, you will be responsible for organizing and empowering communities to take action on issues that affect them. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of community organizing in Indigenous communities. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to effectively organize your community and to advocate for their needs.

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Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing policies that affect the public. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of analyzing policies with an Indigenous perspective. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to conduct effective research and analysis, and to make recommendations that will benefit Indigenous communities.

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Historian

As a Historian, you will be responsible for researching and writing about the past. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of Indigenous perspectives on history. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to conduct effective research and writing, and to produce scholarship that is accurate and inclusive.

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Anthropologist

As an Anthropologist, you will be responsible for studying the cultures of different societies. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of studying Indigenous cultures in a respectful and ethical manner. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to conduct effective research and analysis, and to make recommendations that will benefit Indigenous communities.

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Educator

As an Educator, you will be responsible for teaching students about various subjects. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of teaching Indigenous perspectives on history and culture. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for your students.

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Activist

As an Activist, you will be responsible for advocating for social and political change. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and ongoing legacy of settler colonialism in the United States, as well as the importance of Indigenous perspectives on social justice. This knowledge will be essential for you to be able to effectively advocate for change and to create a more just and equitable society.

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