[cid:image001.png@01DCBB8B.08DD4780]https://www.usu.edu/mountainwest/bennion-workshop/
We are very excited to announce 2026 Bennion Teachers’ Workshop: Stories That Matter: Understanding Democracy and Native Sovereignty Through Literature & Media. Dr. Genevieve Ford, Associate Professor of English, at Utah State University, Blanding Campus, is the lead scholar for the workshop.
Indigenous artists and activists are reshaping how we understand history, culture, and democracy. From landmark movements like Standing Rock to award-winning Native literature and cultural advocacy today, Indigenous voices continue to defend sovereignty, treaty rights, and the future of their communities.
This interactive workshop empowers teachers to bring Indigenous perspectives into their classrooms with confidence. Educators will explore powerful stories, media, and classroom-ready resources by Native creators that illuminate land rights, cultural protection, and civic engagement. Centering Indigenous voices helps challenge stereotypes, build empathy, support Native students, and foster informed, respectful dialogue for all learners.
Through interactive activities and lectures teachers will:
* Engage critically with Native-authored texts, examining how Indigenous voices challenge dominant narratives, reduce prejudice, and support student identity, achievement, and empathy. * Analyze representations of Indigenous peoples in media, identifying the origins and impacts of stereotypes and developing strategies to address misinformation in educational contexts. * Develop foundational knowledge of Indigenous studies, including tribal sovereignty, constitutional and treaty rights, cultural heritage, and Indigenous languages. * Apply this knowledge to teaching practice, designing curricula and learning environments that are accurate, inclusive, and responsive to Indigenous histories and contemporary realities.
Dates: Monday, June 8 – Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily; and two additional evening events
Place: Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching & Learning Center, Carolyn Tanner Irish Pavilion – Room 201, on the Utah State University campus in Logan, Utah
• Learn from Native scholars
• Up to 3 academic credits or 4.5 continuing education units (CEUs) may be earned
• The workshop cost can be as low as $45 for one Continuing Education Unit or take advantage of lower summer tuition for academic credit
• Travel awards are available to cover lodging and mileage (if outside of Cache Valley)
• Breakfast and lunch provided each day
Please spread the word and plan to attend with a friend or two. Registration information is available at https://www.usu.edu/mountainwest/bennion-workshop/.
Workshop Testimonials from past participants:
"As a teacher from a rural area, I really appreciate that Bennion is a world-class opportunity that provides scholarly interaction with top-notch students and excellent professors from multiple universities and institutions across the country."
"Scholarly engagement with world class professors provides a rich experience"
"Critical for expanding my ability to grow as an educator."
"The only weakness was that the magic had to end, but we will take the magic with us."
Contact the Mountain West Center at mwc@usu.edumailto:mwc@usu.edu or 435-797-0299 with any questions.
Barbara Warnes
Program Coordinator, Mountain West Center
Molly Cannon
Director, Mountain West Center
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