Piikani Studies

Piikani Studies Division

The primary aim of the program prepares students for bachelor studies in Native American Studies, Education, History, Linguistics or Philosophy. Students will experience the growth of their knowledge of Piikani ways of knowing and critical thought through writing, reading, enriched discussions, experiential learning, and verbal and written analysis.

Pikani Studies & Language Associate of Arts (AA)

• The Piikani Studies & Language Associate Degree prepares students for bachelor studies in Native American Studies, Education, History, Linguistics or Philosophy. Students will experience the growth of their knowledge of Piikani ways of knowing and critical thought through writing, reading, enriched discussions, experiential learning, and verbal and written analysis. The Piikani Studies & Language Division offers educational experiences and a curriculum to immerse students in Piikani history, culture, language, oral tradition, and thought. Students will gain fundamental knowledge of Piikani identity and how the Piikani interacted with their environment and other Native and non-Native peoples. The Piikani Studies & Language degree is the most unique aspect of Blackfeet Community College providing a level of knowledge that cannot be found anywhere else in America. Completion of nine credits in Piikani language courses fulfills University of Montana’s Modern & Classical Languages & Literatures (MCLL) requirements for a four-year degree.
• Develop critical writing, reading, thinking and verbal communication skills enhanced by Piikani language, oral traditions, philosophies and cultural practices
• Obtain a breadth of understanding of the nature of Piikani thought, leadership, and identity with our traditional lands and sacred places 
• Creating and developing application-centered research habits which include environmental ethics, and cultural and historical content

Pikani History & Language Minor

• The curriculum within the Piikani History & Language Minor consists of six credits earned as usual within the General Education Requirements – NASX141 and PKNI129. Students will also complete fifteen additional credits specific to strengthening the students knowledge of Piikani history, language, lifeways and philosophies. This Minor will complement other degree programs with rich cultural diversity
• Develop critical writing, reading, thinking and verbal communication skills enhanced by Piikani language, oral traditions, philosophies and cultural practices
• Obtain a breadth of understanding of the nature of Piikani thought, leadership, and identity with our traditional lands and sacred places
• Creating and developing application-centered research habits which include environmental ethics, and cultural and historical content

Pikani Studies & Language One-year Certificate

• Students will gain basic fundamentals of the Piikani communication process upon completion of the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of the Piikani language courses. Knowledge acquired from the history, language and philosophy courses will enable the students to have a skillset to enter the workforce as a Language and Cultural Specialist in Montana Public Schools. Students who complete the One-Year Certificate in Piikani Studies & Language meet standards of competency and fluency with integrity upon application for the Class 7 Certificate. The Montana Class 7 American Indian Language & Cultural Specialist Certificate is a requisite by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for teaching Native American languages and cultures in Montana Public Schools.
• Develop critical writing, reading, thinking and verbal communication skills enhanced by Piikani language, oral traditions, philosophies and cultural practices 
• Obtain a breadth of understanding of the nature of Piikani thought, leadership, and identity with our traditional lands and sacred places
• Creating and developing application-centered research habits which include environmental ethics, and cultural and historical content

Department annual events, activities or functions

1. Days of the Pikani, Bear River Commemoration, dual-enrollment, Pikani language support, tuition waivers and sponsored ceremonial opportunities.

Direct email link, i.e. registrar@bfcc.edu, linked to Director and Administrative Assistant email

1. Helen Augare Carlson, Division Chair- helen_augare@bfcc.edu 
2. Jesse DesRosier, Instructor/Advisor- jesse.d@bfcc.edu
3. Marvin WeatherWax, Sr.- marvin_wax@bfcc.edu