© The contents of this finding aid are the copyright of the University of Chicago Library
© 2009 University of Chicago Library
The collection is open for research.
When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Native American Educational Services. Student Field Projects, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library
Sol Tax, an anthropologist from the University of Chicago, helped to establish the Native American Educational Services (NAES) in order help Native Americans to acquire a college education. Established in Chicago in 1974, NAES College aimed to improve the leadership of Native communities and to ensure that tribal knowledge, traditions and values play a major role in the higher education of Native students. Before closing its doors in 2007, NAES College offered a single degree, a Bachelor's of Arts in General Studies with an emphasis in Public Policy, and tribal knowledge, community service, community development and leadership.
At the NAES College, students completed theses on sociological and personal subjects that furthered the understanding of the living conditions of contemporary Native Americans. Subjects include: childcare, historical treaties, alcoholism, tribal resources, social services, modernization, suicide, economic development and medical care. The folder headings indicate the title of the thesis or field project, the author, the author’s tribe, and the date when the project was completed.