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.
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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- Creating and developing application-centered research habits which include environmental ethics, and cultural and historical content
- 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.
Department Staff Directory
Helen Augare Carlson
Division Chair
Marvin Weatherwax, Sr.
Faculty
Jesse DesRosier
Faculty
Holli Galbreath-Henkel
Administrative Assistant
Helen Augare Carlson
Division Chair
Email: helen_augare@bfcc.edu
Call: (406) 338-5441 ext: 2760
Helen Augare Carlson (Maimiiohtsikimiiaki – Magpie Woman)
Amskapi Piikani (Blackfeet Nation)
Helen Augare Carlson has been a devoted Tribal educator at Blackfeet Community College since 2000. She serves as the Institutional Development Title III Director and co-founder of the Native Science Field Center at BFCC. Helen grew up on her family ranch in Two Medicine. She attended MSU-Bozeman after high school and graduated from University of Montana with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with one emphasis in Management and a second emphasis in Information Systems. She serves the siksikaisitapii as an Ampskapi Piikani ceremonial knowledge holder, and buffalo herd caretaker.
Marvin Weatherwax, Sr.
Faculty
Email: marvin_wax@bfcc.edu
Call: (406) 338-5441 ext: 2306
Marvin Weatherwax, Sr. (PiitaSapoo - Eagle Plume)
Ampskapi Piikani (Blackfeet Nation)
Marvin Weatherwax, Sr. is a well respected language instructor and eminent scholar who has devoted his life to speaking nitsipahwasin and advocating for Blackfeet Language instruction. He has developed curricula and taught the language to generations of new speakers at Blackfeet Community College since the 1980’s. He has selflessly served our nation as a veteran and member of Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. He continues to share his knowledge and experience in the classroom and serves on many community and state committees.
Jesse DesRosier
Faculty
Email: jesse.d@bfcc.edu
Call: (406) 338-5441 ext: 2322
Jesse DesRosier (Nit’Koomii - One Shot)
Amskapii Piikani (Blackfeet Nation)
Nina (father, husband, provider, protector, leader, and warrior)
Jesse is a proud husband and father of four, he was a graduate from the Piegan Institute and became a devoted speaker/instructor of the Blackfoot language at the Cutswood School and Blackfeet Community College. Jesse is a veteran of the US Marine Corps. He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Native American Studies from the University of Montana. He uses plains sign language, pictographs, and written language as language teaching strategies to support retention. He also enjoys sharing stories of his experiences and the Blackfoot culture through his artwork as well as film.
Holli Galbreath-Henkel
Administrative Assistant
Email: holli.g@bfcc.edu
Call: (406) 338-5441 ext; 2286