The American Indian Studies program is interdisciplinary, exploring a plethora of issues surrounding American Indians past and present. It is particularly concerned with increasing the level of knowledge and consciousness of Wisconsin Indian history, culture, and tribal sovereignty, as required by the Wisconsin Legislature's 1989 Act 31. A certificate in American Indian Studies provides a student the opportunity to explore in depth the history, culture, and sovereignty of Wisconsin and American Indians. It will prepare future teachers to meet the requirements of Act 31 as well as those who wish to pursue a minor or major in American Indian Studies or Ethnic Studies at other UW institutions.