Native American Assimilation Policies Under the Lens of Thomas Klemm: APSA Diversity and Inclusion Grants Highlight Indigenous Voices in Political Science Research

Thomas Klemm, a Political Science Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan, has been awarded an Advancing Research Grants for Indigenous Politics by the American Political Science Association (APSA) to support his research on the political economy of Native American assimilation policies and their implications in present-day Indian Country. His dissertation focuses on how capitalism influences post-Indian wars Federal Indian policy and how liberal humanitarian justifications, like the introduction of private property ownership through allotment policy, have led to significant land loss and cultural genocide in American Indian Boarding schools. As a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Thomas draws inspiration from his ancestors who survived the Indian boarding school era in the 20th century.

The APSA Advancing Research Grants for Indigenous Politics recipients include Thomas Klemm, who was awarded funding to support his research on Native American assimilation policies. These grants aim to promote research that sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by Indigenous communities. In December 2023, ten projects were selected for the APSA Diversity and Inclusion Advancing Research Grants for Indigenous Politics, with a total grant amount of $20,000. These grants aim to promote research that addresses political science phenomena impacting historically underserved and underrepresented communities. You can learn more about the funded projects on the APSA website.