Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative

Brown University's Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI) is a cross-disciplinary initiative focused on teaching, research, and engagement to increase understanding of the cultural traditions, histories, political experiences, and contemporary experiences and knowledges of Native American and Indigenous peoples.

About the Initiative

NAISI fosters innovative scholarship and cross-disciplinary collaboration and aims to increase student and public engagement through lectures, academic programming, and community gatherings.

Recent News

Brown University president details Brown Ever True healing and recovery effort

January 5, 2026

The joint project of repair will bring together resources, programming and services focused on mental health, psychological wellness and ensuring a sense of physical security for the Brown community.

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BAI YouTube Channel

Eric-Paul Riege and Thea Quiray Tagle on ojo|-|ólǫ́

December 25, 2025

"I think of craft as allowing your hands to speak before your mind does. It's allowed me to navigate the world in a slower, kinder way." –Eric-Paul Riege (Diné)

In this video, weaver and fiber artist, Eric-Paul Riege, and Associate Curator at the The Bell / Brown Arts Institute, Thea Quiray Tagle, discuss how ojo|-|ólǫ́ – Riege's largest institutional solo show to date – came to life at The Bell.

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News from Brown

Exhibition at Brown responds to University’s Haffenreffer Museum collection of Navajo objects

September 15, 2025

A major solo exhibition by Diné artist Eric-Paul Riege exploring the production and reproduction of Indigeneity is on view at Brown’s David Winton Bell Gallery through Dec. 7.

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