Kiara M. Vigil

Kiara M. Vigil is a Professor at Amherst College, specializing in American Studies and Indigenous Studies. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, an M.A.L.S. from Dartmouth College, an M.A. from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a B.A. in History from Tufts University. Her research focuses on Indigenous intellectual history, media representation, and Dakota language revitalization. Vigil is the author of *Indigenous Intellectuals: Sovereignty, Citizenship, and the American Imagination, 1880–1930* (Cambridge UP) and co-editor of the *Lyda Conley Series* on Indigenous Futures. She has received prestigious awards including the Mellon New Directions Fellowship and the Frederick C. Luebke Award.

Vigil’s current projects include translating the *Iapi Oaye* Dakota-language newspaper and designing an interactive storytelling website. She teaches courses such as *Rethinking Pocahontas: An Introduction to Native American Studies* and *Native Futures: Understanding Settler Colonialism*. Her work bridges archival research with community engagement, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives in U.S. history. She collaborates with Native language experts and educators to preserve Dakota heritage and challenge marginalizing narratives.

• Educations:
  • Ph.D., University of Michigan
  • M.A.L.S., Dartmouth College
  • M.A., Columbia University’s Teachers College
  • B.A., Tufts University (History)
• Key Research Projects:
  • *Dakota Language Project*: Reviving Iapi Oaye translations
  • *Natives in Transit*: Indigenous representation in media

Her awards reflect her leadership in Indigenous studies, including roles as Editor of *SAIL* journal and mentorship through Mellon-funded initiatives. Her pedagogy emphasizes student-led discussions and interdisciplinary approaches to anti-racist education.