CLARKSVILLE, TN − From the ancient cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Monument to the windswept peaks of Acoma Pueblo, Austin Peay State University students traveled roughly 1,800 miles through New Mexico this summer to engage with Native American communities during one of the institution’s first study away programs.
Dr. Tamara Smithers, professor of art history, and Dr. Wes Atkinson, professor of English, brought 14 students from their Native American art and literature classes on the journey. Participants connected with Indigenous artists, writers, and more while exploring significant cultural sites across the state.
“I wasn’t expecting this program to impact me so deeply on an emotional level,” said Naomi Hundt, a senior art history major. “Even though we had just met, many [people] treated us like family. They didn’t just share facts about their culture, but they opened their hearts to us and shared their stories with honesty and vulnerability … it made each conversation extremely meaningful to me.”…