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Snapshot

Minimum GPA: 3.10

Terms and Dates:

  • Winter 2022

Advisor:

Donna Ramil

Cornell Affiliations:

Industrial and Labor Relations

Overview

Opportunity Description

Postponed for Spring 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

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NOTE-- Only ILR undergraduates are eligible for this program. 

The Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution, in collaboration with the ILR International Programs Office, will offer a 7-week course, starting in mid-March, for 1 or 2 credits (note that ILR students may not exceed the semester credit limit to take this course).  The travel portion in the Southwest during during the spring break, roughly April 1-7, to explore mediation practices by the Hopi and Navajo Nations. 

The primary objective of this engaged learning program is to explore the culture of two Native American tribes and their traditional and modern methods of resolving conflicts. The secondary objective is to study contemporary dispute resolution in the southwest United States, including water, land use, tourism, and environmental issues.

Richard Fincher (ILR'73), the Executive Director of the Asia Labor Arbitration Project (ALAP) in Scheinman will serve as the primary faculty lead for the program, and Donna Ramil will serve as the administrative and engaged learning lead.   

What is unique about this program?

Students will gain a broad understanding of the of current issues under dispute by indigenous communities in the US.  In spring 2023 (second 7-week term), students will attend pre-program sessions to review traditional mediation and restorative justices practices.  Faculty from Cornell's American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) will share information on the new CU and Indigenous Dispossession Project. 

The approximate travel dates will be from April 1-7, 2023.  Students must be available during the entire program time-frame- no exceptions.

Some of the topics that may be covered in the program include:

  • Overview of Native American history, treaties, federal obligations, and oversight
  • Conflict resolution in the Hopi nation (mediation)
  • Conflict resolution in the Navajo nation (peacemaking)
  • Conflict resolution in the national park system -environmental/pollution, water use, tourism overuse, effects of Glen Canyon Dam, employee disputes, light pollution, noise pollution from aircraft, employee issues
  • Conflict resolution in water rights and environmental issues (multi-state Drought Contingency Plan for the Colorado River, cattle grazing rights)
  • Coal pollution and jobs on Navajo nation, from Black Mesa coal mine
  • Cultural Program on Southwestern Native American silver jewelry and silversmiths

Program Timeline

Mid-March

Students will be required to take part in 4 sessions.  The times and dates will be based on students' schedules.

Spring Break

Spring Break engagement from April 1-7, 2023.  Most days students will attend meeting with mediation expert, visit Hopi and Navajo cultural sites and attend group session meeting.  There will be some preparation assignments between days.

Mid-April to May (end of the semester)

Students will complete a research paper, co-supervised by an ILR faculty member and Richard Fincher, that focuses on a related-mediation topic.  In addition, students will reflect on the experience 

Program Costs

Students are expected to pay for their their flights.  For students who have a demonstrated financial need, there will be a small competitive travel grant.  Field costs will be covered through various generous alumni donors.  Students will need to pay for some meals and any personal items. 

How do I apply? 

1) Review the program Requirements.

2) If possible, meet with the program advisor (Donna Ramil, dmr47@cornell.edu) to discuss the program details and your eligibility.

3) Complete the online application (OPENS in Feb) by clicking on the "Apply" button on this web page. You must log in with your NetID and password to access the application. Note that the term in "Spring 2023".  

If you have a problem with the application, please contact dmr47@cornell.edu for assistance. 

THE HOPI AND NAVAJO NATIONS ARE LOCATED ON SOVEREIGN TERRITORIES IN THE SOUTH WESTERN UNITED STATES.  EACH NATION IS DISTINCT WITH DIFFERENT CULTURAL BEHAVIORS AND LANGUAGES.  TO BE SUCCESSFUL, YOU MUST ACCEPT AND RESPECT DIFFERENCES.  At any point during the program, a students who displays culturally disrespectful or inappropriate behavior can be withdrawn for the program. 

THIS OPPORTUNITY IS NOT A FIT FOR EVERYONE.