Dennis J. Smith, PhD
- Professor Emeritus
- Native American History, Federal Indian Policy, Plains Tribes
Additional Information
Education
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.A., Univeristy of Montana
Background
Born and raised in Montana, Dr. Smith is an enrolled member of the Assiniboine Tribe, Fort Peck Reservation, Montana. With an Assiniboine, wheat-farming father who loved to hunt and fish, the family reveled in much of Montana’s glorious outdoors.
A former physical therapist, Dr. Smith returned to his great interest – Native American history – earning a M.A. in History from the University of Montana in 1983. He began his academic career as Academic Dean of Fort Peck Community College (a tribally-controlled college), and later directed the Indian Studies Program at Morningside College [Sioux City, Iowa] (1989-2000). He received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Nebraska in 2001, and joined UNO in 2002. Dr. Smith is an active member of the Native American Studies Program.
Dr. Smith’s areas of study emphasize Native American history and cultures (especially northern plains tribes), federal Indian policies, and Native American environmentalism. His primary interest continues to be Fort Peck Assiniboine culture and history. He is coauthor of The History of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation: 1600-2000 (2008; revised ed. 2012, which extends study to 2012).
In addition to three beautiful daughters, outside interests include contemporary energy and environmental issues, Wimbledon, University of Montana Grizzlies football (and go Huskers), and both kinds of music: country and western.
Frequently Taught Courses
Introduction to Native American Studies (NAMS 1000)
The Sioux Tribe (HIST 4420/8426)
Native American Environmentalism (HIST 4450/4456)
U.S.-Dakota War (HIST 4910/8916)
Publications
The History of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Montana, 1800-2000 (Montana Historical Society Press, 2008)This professor is available for consultation regarding Sustainability topics.
Additional Information
Education
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.A., Univeristy of Montana
Background
Born and raised in Montana, Dr. Smith is an enrolled member of the Assiniboine Tribe, Fort Peck Reservation, Montana. With an Assiniboine, wheat-farming father who loved to hunt and fish, the family reveled in much of Montana’s glorious outdoors.
A former physical therapist, Dr. Smith returned to his great interest – Native American history – earning a M.A. in History from the University of Montana in 1983. He began his academic career as Academic Dean of Fort Peck Community College (a tribally-controlled college), and later directed the Indian Studies Program at Morningside College [Sioux City, Iowa] (1989-2000). He received a Ph.D. in History from the University of Nebraska in 2001, and joined UNO in 2002. Dr. Smith is an active member of the Native American Studies Program.
Dr. Smith’s areas of study emphasize Native American history and cultures (especially northern plains tribes), federal Indian policies, and Native American environmentalism. His primary interest continues to be Fort Peck Assiniboine culture and history. He is coauthor of The History of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Reservation: 1600-2000 (2008; revised ed. 2012, which extends study to 2012).
In addition to three beautiful daughters, outside interests include contemporary energy and environmental issues, Wimbledon, University of Montana Grizzlies football (and go Huskers), and both kinds of music: country and western.
Frequently Taught Courses
Introduction to Native American Studies (NAMS 1000)
The Sioux Tribe (HIST 4420/8426)
Native American Environmentalism (HIST 4450/4456)
U.S.-Dakota War (HIST 4910/8916)