Thomas Christian

Visiting Scholar Week: February 1 - 6

Thomas Christian, also known as Tommy (Nakoda name: Eagle Claw), is a respected spiritual leader and cultural knowledge keeper from the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nation. Born on the Fort Peck Reservation and raised in Poplar, Montana, he graduated high school in 1971 and served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974. Tommy served 16 years on the Fort Peck Tribal Council and was the 1996 Northern World Champion Traditional Dancer. A dual citizen and member of the Wood Mountain people of Saskatchewan, he has traveled across the U.S. and Canada as a Pow Wow announcer and teacher. Now retired, Tommy continues to pass down his teachings, offering guidance rooted in ancestral knowledge, spiritual responsibility, and cultural healing.

 

Note: All office hours listed are open times for faculty or departments to invite the elder.

Sunday, Feb. 1st 

  • Travel day to MSU Billings

Monday, Feb. 2nd 

  • 10:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 11:50 AM – Walk to Cafeteria for Lunch
  • 3:00 PM – Faculty Presentation, Indigenous Frameworks for Culturally Responsive Teaching in Higher Education
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner with All Nations & AI Dorm Students

Tuesday, Feb. 3rd 

  • 11:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 12:00- Lunch with workshop participants
  • 12:30- Break
  • 1pm-5pm- Student activity

Wednesday, Feb. 4th 

  • 11:00 AM – NAAC Office Hours
  • 11:30-12:30 PM – NAS Class discussion with Dr. Felese in LA 302.
  • 12:30 PM NAAC Potluck & Talking Circle
  • Break
  • 2:00–3:00 PM – NAS Class discussion with Patrick Soch followed by NAAC Office Hours
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner with All Nations & AI Dorm Students

Thursday, Feb. 5th  

  • 10:00–11:00 AM – City College Meet & Greet with Faculty & Students
  • 12:00- Lunch with workshop participants
  • 12:30- Break
  • 2pm-5pm- NAAC office hours

Friday, Feb. 6th 

    • 10:00–11:00 AM – Feedback Discussion (open to everyone)
    • 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Lunch at NAAC & Gift Presentation (open to everyone)
    • 1:00 PM – Travel