Multiculturalism, Migration, and Indigenous Peoples

Download the catalog: 2013 Programs in Multiculturalism, Migration, and Indigenous Peoples - PDF

Indigenous groups, local communities, and national movements worldwide are striving for recognition and self-identification. These processes include the preservation of cultural character; the empowerment of historically marginalized groups working to protect and project their identity on a national or transnational scale; and the redefinition of national identity to reflect more accurately a country's multicultural composition.

SIT's programs focused on Multiculturalism, Migration, and Indigenous Peoples examine the often complex roots of identity in the context of historical, socio-political, economic, and transnational forces. Students consider patterns of group cohesion, social splintering, empowerment, and cultural shifts as shaped by internal identity politics, regional geopolitics, and increased engagement in global networks.

Topics of inquiry include:

  • Past and current disparities between ethnic groups
  • Politics and ethnicity
  • Migrants, refugees, and exile communities
  • Multilingualism
  • Religious movements
  • Impact of tourism
  • Evolving artistic traditions

With diverse programs in multiple locations, students can examine issues such as cultural loss, revitalization, and retention of cultural identities in Peruvian indigenous communities; Arab nationalism in the context of Tunisia; Pan-African movements and Ghanaian identity; nomadic culture, nationalist movements, and the emergence of democracy in Mongolia.