Tues, Oct 6, 6:30pm
Dr. Matthew Villeneuve, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Descent, Professor of US History and American Indian Studies, UW-Madison
The Corps of Discovery traveled through territories that were already home to dozens of Native nations with established governments, trade networks, cultures, and histories. From this perspective, the land was not unknown—it was well known to the people who lived there. Without the help of the Mandan, Hidatsa and other tribes, the expedition likely would not have succeeded. Dr. Villanueva shares an Indigenous telling of the Corps of Discovery, highlighting a crucial part of US history.
Villanueve's particular research focus is on the history of Native education. He earned his PhD in history from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he studied in the fields of U.S. History since 1865, American Indian history, and environmental history. He currently teaches courses on American Indian history, Native studies, and Indigenous education. Matthew's scholarship is informed by his Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa descent. Currently, he is pursuing research on a number of projects at the intersection of progressive education and federal Indian boarding schools.