From 1914 to 1942, Cornell’s Department of Home Economics and later, New York State College of Home Economics, received federal, state, and private funding to create extension programs and scholarships for Hodino¿_hso´:nih women. These programs sought to improve family life through scientific research, which largely disregarded Indigenous perspectives and needs. Despite this, the archival record shows how Hodino¿_hso´:nih women made space for themselves and their communities within and outside of the College.In conjunction with the opening of the new exhibit “Redressing Histories of Early Hodino¿_hso´:nih Women at Cornell, 1914-1942” in the Mann Library lobby, a panel discussion held at Mann Library on November 4, 2024 expands upon the Cornell College of Human Ecology’s early history to examine current institutional practices and contexts that can better support the success, health, and well-being of Indigenous students in higher education today. Panelists featured include Meredith Palmer (Tuscarora of Six Nations at Grand River; Department of Geography & Department of Indigenous Studies at the University at Buffalo), Adam Hoffman (Dept. of Psychology, College of Human Ecology at Cornell University), Renata Leitao (Dept. of Human-Centered Design, College of Human Ecology & the American Indian and Indigenous Study Program at Cornell University), with moderation by exhibit curator Lynda Xepoleas (School of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Kent State University). This event was co-sponsored by the College of Human Ecology, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, and Cornell University Library.
