The Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship (NAUMF) Program will expose undergraduate/recent graduates to the museum field by participating in a 10 week paid program; 3 weeks of seminar/workshops and 7 weeks in an internship program designed to engage and expose undergraduates to the professional opportunities within the museum, cultural resources, public history and tribal preservation fields. Fellows will learn about various career paths and academic requirements for working in these types of organizations, both on and off reservations, as well as particular challenges faced by American Indian communities related to preserving tribal history and challenging the traditional narratives of Native people. 

The first 3 weeks of the program will be an in-depth seminar that will focus on the function of museums and the roles and responsibilities of several departments. Through a mix of readings, discussions, exhibit analysis and guest speakers, fellows will have a better understanding of the day to day workings and the values and practices that inform public history museums and tribal historic preservation institutions. The remaining 7 weeks participants will be placed within the Minnesota Historical Society (virtually) for the duration of the fellowship where they will have a hands-on internship experience. Please note, that internships offered could have the potential to be fully remote, hybrid or in-person, and may be located at our various MNHS sites. 

Internship work will begin to wind down the last two weeks of the program, and in turn the NAUMF cohort will utilize that time to meet in-person and visit sites that include (but are not limited to): Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Lower Sioux Agency, Pipestone, Jeffers Petroglyphs, The Science Museum of Minnesota, and Hocokata Ti. Travel, food and lodging will be covered during the last two weeks of the program. 

IMPORTANT DATES
Priority Deadline: March 22nd, 2024
All Application Materials Must be Submitted or Postmarked No Later Than April 5th, 2024

WHO IS ELIGBLE TO APPLY?
Eligibility is limited to students who are currently enrolled undergraduates, or those who have recently graduated, up to one year from Spring 2021, and non-traditional students. Participants must be tribally affiliated, although enrollment is not required. This program is able to support extended travel for those outside of Minnesota. This program focuses on skill and experience building for young Native American professionals who wish to explore the museum field more broadly and who live in Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, or a  displaced indigenous community. 

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS?
1. As the summer program is hybrid (both virtual and in-person) you must have access to the internet and the ability to join our virtual discussions. 
2. Attend and participate in all required seminars, discussions, and internships.
3. Complete all necessary coursework, readings and reflections.
4. Reside in fellowship housing shared with other fellows throughout the summer components including internship sites.