Ione and Wayne Bennion Seminar for the Perpetuation of Democratic Principles
2026 Bennion Teachers’ Workshop
Stories That Matter: Understanding Democracy and Native Sovereignty Through Literature & Media
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 with Indigenous scholars and practitioners, 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.
2026 Workshop Information
Dates: Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily; and two additional evening events
Place: Utah State University, Logan Main Campus, Logan, Utah (Mehdi Heravi Global Teaching & Learning Center – Carolyn Tanner Irish Pavilion - Room 201)
Lead Scholars: Dr. Genevieve Ford, Associate Professor of English - USU
Guest Presenters: To be announced
Application and Registration
Apply to enroll in the workshop
Scholarships and Awards
Limited scholarships and travel awards
Course Requirements
Variable credits and requirements
Presenters
Meet the Lead Scholars and Presenters
Daily Highlights
Day-by-day Workshop Topics and Information
Workshop Logistics
Location, Meals, Lodging, Parking, and Books
Workshop Testimonials
"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."
"I love the intense one-week format of Bennion."
"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."