Who We Are
The California Indian Studies and Scholars Association (CISSA) is a decolonial organization consisting of California Indian people committed to the intellectual and cultural sovereignty of California Indian Studies and scholarship. The purpose of CISSA is to support and increase exchange of the diversity of knowledge of California Indian perspectives and ways of knowing of the over two hundred sovereign tribal nations Indigenous to what is currently called California. Our purpose is to identify, develop, and implement Native California-focused curricula, to promote, produce and disseminate California Indian-related research and pedagogical strategies and to support the continued growth of California Indian Studies.
We honor the legacy of California Indian intellectualism that has existed for time immemorial by dismantling ongoing colonial and imperial projects and building critical, theoretical, and community-minded praxis for California Indian futures. We are a collaborative, community centered organization that values integrity, reciprocity, relationships, respect and responsibility. We understand this intellectual project to be nothing short of safeguarding California Indian lives, lands and futures.
Learn more about our history and current CISSA members.
We honor the legacy of California Indian intellectualism that has existed for time immemorial by dismantling ongoing colonial and imperial projects and building critical, theoretical, and community-minded praxis for California Indian futures. We are a collaborative, community centered organization that values integrity, reciprocity, relationships, respect and responsibility. We understand this intellectual project to be nothing short of safeguarding California Indian lives, lands and futures.
Learn more about our history and current CISSA members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can become a member? |
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Check out our membership statement. California Indian academics, independent and tribal scholars, artists, and cultural workers should join us. We are particularly invested in supporting California Indian graduate students and other aspiring scholars and artists.
How do I become a member? |
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Fill out our membership form. The link can be found on the Join CISSA page.
Is there a membership fee? What does being a CISSA member mean? |
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Membership in CISSA is free and gives you access to all communications from CISSA, a vote as a member of the general assembly, visibility on our website, and an active say in the collective direction of our association. Membership in CISSA is also a commitment to take part in the organization's collective project of realizing a decolonial vision through one's scholarship, practice, or expertise as a California Indian scholar.
What if I have other questions? |
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Connect with us.
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Pedagogical Resources
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Click image above for educational materials from the
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CISSA Inaugural Conference at UC Santa Cruz (2023)
CISSA at American Studies Association (2022):
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CISSA Symposium (2022):
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