The American Indian Studies program at Itasca is designed for students who have an interest in developing a career or learning more about the indigenous people of North America. Ojibwe, the language of the Anishinaabe people, is taught at four different levels. Study also includes the areas of American Indian history, culture, traditions, customs, art, and current events. Students may choose from a two-year course of study or a one-year certificate. The ICC American Indian Studies Program has transfer articulation agreements in place with The College of St. Scholastica-Duluth and The University of Minnesota, Duluth. For more details on the programs, please download these PDF files:
The ICC American Indian Studies program also is involved with the promotion of American Indian Quiz Bowls held throughout Minnesota. In April 2007, two teams from ICC participated in the first ever collegiate Ojibwe Quiz Bowl held at St. Scholastica College in Duluth, Minnesota and took third place.
The ICC Multicultural Student Affairs office supports activities to improve the retention of students of color and sustain a campus environment that promotes racial tolerance. The ICC American Indian student organization, O-Gitch-I-Dah Club, and the ICC Minority Student Club offer opportunities for the on-campus club participation and leadership skill development. In addition to sponsoring scholarships and other advisement related duties, these clubs also have sponsored the following activities:
Activities that honor and recognize November as Native American Heritage Month featuring nationally known speakers and performing artists
American Indian Student Academic Awards Dinner, recognizing those students who are making outstanding academic progress
Indian Fry Bread Taco Day
Annual ICC pow-wow, featuring drummers and dancers from the Bug O Nay Ge Shig "Silver Eagle" Drum and Dance group as well as members from the local community
