About this event
The Centering Indigenous Knowledge Webinar Series, organized by Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (formerly Montana Campus Compact), seeks to raise awareness and support for Indigenous scholars, their perspectives and work, and broadly the creation and preservation of indigenous knowledge. This series centers the people and institutions who are working to create and advance indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices. We hope to inspire people to learn more and to seek out ways of supporting tribal scholars and their work to advance and preserve indigenous knowledge. Facilitated by University of Montana Tribal Outreach Specialist and former Blackfeet Community College president Dr. Karla Bird (Pikuni) the series raises awareness of the work of contemporary indigenous scholars and efforts to advance indigenous ways of knowing and being.
The Fall 2025 series continues under the theme “Native American Art: Creative Connections to Tribal Histories and Cultures,” focusing on the diverse history, literature, and philosophy of these lands through various creative mediums. Join us for four insightful sessions led by esteemed presenters, exploring the profound connections between Indigenous communities and their environments. This event is ideal for faculty, staff, administrators, students, community members, and anyone interested in indigenous knowledge and perspectives, particularly those engaged in or supporting higher education.
Who should attend?
This event is ideal for faculty, staff, administrators, students, community members, and anyone interested in indigenous knowledge and perspectives, particularly those engaged in or supporting higher education.

What does this mean? This virtual event is more informational with minimal interactivity. Feel free to have this webinar on in the background while you eat lunch or check email!
- Only facilitators and guest speakers will be seen on camera
- You can submit questions by typing them into the Zoom Q&A feature
- This event will focus on information sharing, presentations, or panel discussions
Sessions
| More Info | Name | Date | Time | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1: Student showcase | Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (MDT) | |
| Session 2: Terran Last Gun | Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (MST) | |
| Session 3: Dylan Running Crane | Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (MST) | |
| Session 4: Chris La Tray | Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (MST) | 
Meet The Moderator

Dr. Karla Bird
Dr. Karla Bird serves as a University of Montana (UM) liaison to tribal communities in the region, as a key adviser and partner to the campus community, and as a resource and support to prospective and current Native students. Bringing expertise in educational persistence among Native American graduate students, Bird bolsters the strength and resiliency of Native students in the UM community.
 
Most recently, having served as the president of Blackfeet Community College, Bird holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Montana with an emphasis in higher education. She also received an M.A. in Counselor Education and a B.A. in Psychology with a research emphasis/minor in Native American studies.

About the artwork
Stella Nall
ilússache (to be split)
stellanall.com

Presented by Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement
This series is presented by the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement. Read more about the Centering Indigenous Knowledge Webinar Series and Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement on their website.
Questions? Get in touch with Josh Vanek at vanek@mtengage.org
