Institute of American Indian Studies

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Programs & Events

Joseph Harper Cash Memorial Lectures

Part of the Institute of American Indian Studies mission statement directs that we organize "campus programs to promote education and awareness of American Indian culture, issues, and problems." Because of this charge, and after consultation with the Cash family, the annual lecture series was inaugurated in the fall of 1995. Featuring scholars in the fields of Indian studies, frontier, western, and mining history, the University community is annually enlightened on current scholarship in the respective fields. The four major areas of study reflect the interests of the late Dean Cash.

Native American Essay Competition

Sponsored by the Institute of American Indian Studies, this essay competition is open to all USD freshman, sophomore and junior students. The competition deadline is in March of each year and winners are announced at the Annual Native American Spring Wacipi.

Read this year's winning essay.

Scholarship Awards
  • First Place-$1,000
  • Second Place-$750
  • Third Place-$500
Essay Criteria
  • The essay should address any aspect of “the social, political and/or economic impact of higher education on federal-tribal relations.” 
  • The essay should be 500 to 750 words, typed, 12-point font, and double spaced, and include citation to authorities. 
  • Essays must be original work of the student and should seek to address an issue of current concern at the national or tribal level.
  • Submit your completed essay, along with the submission cover page, electronically to the Institute of American Indian Studies.
  • All essays are judged anonymously by a committee of USD faculty from diverse University units.

Ullyot Scholarship

The Ullyot Scholarship is supported by the Ullyot Lakota Education Endowment and is administered by the Institute of American Indian Studies.

Graduate Assistantship

The Institute of American Indian Studies offers the opportunity for Graduate Assistantships throughout the year to those who are qualified. This Research Assistant participates as an active staff member of the IAIS, in addition to reviewing and evaluating literature and program material and administrative tasks as assigned.

The assistantship begins this fall and continues through the spring semester. We are currently accepting applications for the position, which is open until filled. Compensation includes a financial stipend and tuition remission. Applicants must submit a letter of interest, a resumé and a minimum of two references. For more information, contact us.