University of Washington

facade of the weleb?altx intellectual house

November 2025

AIS Welcomes a New Chair

Dr. Charlotte Cote' has stepped into her role as Chair for the Department of American Indian Studies with enthusiasm and positivity. Taking on big changes in the college, several new staff hires, a Summer certificate, and teaching in College Edge, she is bringing her energy to everything she does.

Dr. Coté's Full Profile

Highlights From Campus

A Netflix Film, Then A UW Degree

We are so proud of our recent graduate, Devin Sampson-Craig, who completed his Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies this Summer 2025. Just before graduating, Devin was interviewed by the College of Arts and Sciences to tell his amazing story about coming to UW, filming Rez Ball, completing independent research about Native representation in film through an AIS independent study project, and his graduation.

Devin Sampson-Craig in a suit at the Toronto International film festival

New Story Pole Comes to UW

Five years before a 25-foot story pole was installed outside Denny Hall on the University of Washington campus, Sven Haakanson (Sugpiaq/Alutiiq), Chair and Professor of Anthropology and AIS Adjunct faculty, had a vision.

Sven Haakanson smiling at the camera, black and white photo

Introducing Oliver Hall

In a ceremony in July attended by Ana Mari Cauce, Mayor Bruce Harrell, AIS faculty, students, and friends and family of Marvin Oliver, Willow Hall was renamed Oliver Hall.

Members of UW Canoe Family sing a welcome song at the ceremony

Check It Out

audience in seated rows listening to Tommy Pico in gathering hall in Intellectual house

Join Us for Sacred Breath on November 21st

As the days grow shorter, we gather inside with friends, family, and community to appreciate some long-form storytelling.

illustration of a bluebird, black bear, and green frog

Explore the Cherokee Natural World with Chris Teuton

Years in the making, a beautiful digital publication is available to accompany AIS Professor Chris Teuton's most recent book, Cherokee Earth Dwellers.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Are you inspired by the amazing work our students and faculty are doing here? If so, consider giving to support out work - whether that's our Sacred Breath: Indigenous Writing and Storytelling series bringing renowned artists like Oscar Hokeah to Seattle (coming Winter 2026!), supporting guest lecturers like Nigel Lawrence teaching our students about the traditions and history of Tribal Canoe Journey, or our own students flying across the country to speak with Native filmmakers as part of an independent study. Gifts to the American Indian Studies department provide resources to develop and create these programs and more for our students, our campus, and our larger community. All gifts are tax deductible and truly make a difference.

Make a Difference

University of Washington | Padelford Hall, C-514 | Box 354305 | Seattle, WA 98195

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