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Indigenous Studies collection

 Collection
Identifier: MS-070

Collection Description

One of the Linda Lear Center's recent collecting focuses has been on Indigenous studies nations in the United States. This has been pursued by the purchase of several collections of primary documents, such as official federal documents and newspapers. These materials cover mainly the 1900s, though there are a few documents from the late 1800s. This collection is still growing and does not prepare a "complete" picture of the diverse and vast Indigenous history of the U.S., yet can still provide vital information on the lived experiences of a selection of Indigenous people in the twentieth century. There are seven newspapers represented in the collection thus far, and as such can be processed in subseries. After some brief research, it is difficult to find information on their publishers, location, and other information, so there are many opportunities for continuing research with this collection. The materials are in fairly good condition; one concern would be handling paper carefully to prevent rips and excessive wear.

Dates

  • Creation: c. 1880s - Winter 1979

Creator

Biographical / Historical

The Indigenous Studies collection consists of newspapers, postcards, and federal documents and was compiled by the Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives at Connecticut College. The collection currently includes newspapers and newsletters published by Wassaja, The Circle, Wabanaki Alliance, Akwesasne Notes, The Renegade, Spirit of Crazy Horse, and Indian Country. Many of these include articles about achieving Indigenous sovereignty and community resources and were published from 1973 to 2007. The most represented newspaper in the collection is Wassaja, which was published in San Francisco, CA. The federal documents record communications between government and Indigenous officials regarding treaties, land, rights, and Indigenous veterans.

Full Extent

3 Boxes

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Materials collected to document Indigenous/Native American historical experiences.

Title
Indigenous Studies collection
Author
J.Ishee Updated by Bailey Rodgers, Linda Lear Special Collections Librarian, and Skye Nugent, Summer 2026 Archival Assistant
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Arabic

Repository Details

Part of the Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Connecticut College
270 Mohegan Ave
New London CT 06320 United States
860-439-2654 (Director)
860-439-2686 (College Archivist)