Curriculum as Ceremony: Reimagining Carlisle Through Student Storywork
Thursday, May 22
Noon – 1 p.m. Eastern time

This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at an evolving curriculum rooted in Indigenous storytelling, place-based inquiry and student-led interpretation. Developed at Dickinson College, a little more than a mile from the site of the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School, this course provided a framework for students to explore the layered histories of Carlisle—including its present-day realities—and to grapple with their own positionality within this landscape. Through digital media, archival research and guided community dialogue, students engaged with the legacy of the Carlisle Indian School in thoughtful, critical and creative ways.

In this session, participants will experience how students are conceptualizing Carlisle not just as a historical site, but as a living story—and how their experiences are shaping a pedagogy that centers accountability, connection and care. The workshop will highlight the curriculum-development process, share student insights and explore how higher education can hold space for Indigenous narratives through meaningful, place-specific engagement.

Please register by Tuesday, May 20. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the webinar.

Please submit your questions to alumni@dickinson.edu.  

Bio

Dr. Amanda Cheromiah is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. She believes one of the greatest gifts she has as an educator, mentor and sister is the ability to build the confidence of people through storytelling, kind words and digital media. Amanda cares deeply about giving back to her Indigenous community and transforming spaces through visual narratives and Indigenous-focused scholarship and methodologies. Connect with her on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn or X (@drcheromiah) or through amandacheromiah.com or at cheromia@dickinson.edu.