The humanities aren’t political — they’re personal

By Prairie Rose Seminole

ms.prairierose@gmail.com

I was a child who walked behind my parents into classrooms and kitchens, spaces of song and prayer, where teachings lived in the air and settled on my shoulders. I didn’t yet have the words to name what I was learning, but I felt the weight of history in story, the pull of a sense of place in land, the breath of language in prayer, the shape of theology in the way we loved one another.

Faith, culture and community became my earliest textbooks — and in them, the humanities weren’t subjects, they were a way of becoming. These early experiences shaped my understanding of the world, not just through formal education, but through the weaving together of history, sociology, geography, languages and theology. Together, they formed a foundation in the humanities that continues to guide me in becoming a more grounded, thoughtful and connected version of myself.

Integrated into our home culture, my mother shared her love of reading. It is one of the greatest gifts of my life. I was always an eager reader, especially when the reward was a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut for finishing five books. That little promotion turned into big family memories, rare and special nights out for a family of eight in the 1980s. Books opened doors for me, but they also brought us together.

This culture of learning has extended into my work as a dedicated board member of Humanities North Dakota (HND). With this organization, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the profound impact our programming has on the cultural and intellectual fabric of our state. Since its inception in 1973, HND has been committed to making lifelong learning in the humanities both accessible and engaging for all North Dakotans. Our mission has been realized through a diverse array of programs and events that delve into history, philosophy, civics and more, fostering a community of curious and thoughtful individuals.

The humanities aren’t a political agenda. They’re personal. The humanities are the study of what it means to be human, our stories, our history, our languages, our philosophies and cultures. They teach us how to think critically, listen deeply, and build community. They help us become better citizens, neighbors, and leaders.

Over the years, HND has cultivated a rich history of providing high-quality educational experiences. Our offerings include affordable classes and events designed to ignite a passion for lifelong learning. This commitment has been unwavering, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to engage with the humanities in meaningful ways.

Among our most impactful initiatives are the Marilyn Hudson Brave Conversations Project and the One Book One North Dakota program.

The Brave Conversations Project honors the legacy of the late MHA Nation Elder, my mentor and North Dakota historian, Marilyn Hudson. This program builds community through dialogue, inviting individuals from all walks of life to engage in discussions on pressing societal issues. These events feature presentations by leading thinkers, followed by facilitated table discussions that encourage open and respectful exchanges of ideas.

As a board member, I have found immense joy in both participating in and hosting events within these programs. Leading discussions in the Brave Conversations series has allowed me to witness the transformative power of open dialogue, as individuals come together to explore complex topics with empathy and understanding. Similarly, facilitating book discussions through One Book One North Dakota has been a rewarding experience, connecting readers and authors in meaningful exchanges that enrich our collective appreciation for literature.

Recently, Humanities North Dakota faced a significant challenge when all federal grant funding was abruptly terminated. This decision stemmed from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which led to the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the rescission of grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). As a result, HND lost a $900,000 grant that was crucial for covering core operational costs.

This sudden loss of funding has placed HND in a precarious position, threatening our ability to continue offering the programs and events that have become integral to our statewide community. The gap created by these cuts is substantial and the future of our organization hangs in the balance. This is an attack not just on education, but on our shared identity, our creativity and our culture.

In light of these challenges, the support of our community is more critical than ever. There are several ways you can help ensure the continuation of HND’s valuable work:

1. Donate: Financial contributions are vital to sustaining our operations and programs. Your donations will directly support the continuation of classes, events and initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of North Dakota.
2. Attend events and classes: Participating in our offerings not only enhances your own lifelong learning journey but also demonstrates the value and demand for humanities programs in our state.
3. Spread the Word: Advocate for HND by sharing information about our programs and the current funding challenges we face. Encourage friends, family to support our mission.

Our statewide community needs programming and curriculum around the humanities, now more than ever. Humanities courses offer vital points of entry for each of us to become better, more thoughtful versions of ourselves. They create space for us to learn, reflect and think deeply about who we are, where we come from and how we can exist in relation to others and the world. The humanities invite us to imagine not just the world as it is, but the world as it could be, or ought to be.

These are not luxuries; they are essentials for building a more compassionate, reflective, and just society. That is the power of the humanities, and that is the power of Humanities North Dakota. Together, we can ensure this work continues to grow and reach every corner of our state.

Prairie Rose Seminole is an enrolled member of the MHA Nation of North Dakota and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights, cultural preservation and storytelling. With years of experience building relationships in Indigenous communities, Prairie Rose has worked at the intersection of advocacy, arts and healing. They serve on the boards of Humanities ND, Gender Justice U.S., Olamina Fund and the Midwest Innocence Project. Their latest project, We Ride for Her, a documentary short on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, draws on deep, trusted relationships built over three years with Indigenous motorcyclists, shedding light on the crisis through their lived experiences.