Carma Corcoran

The Indian Law Program prepares students to serve and address the needs of Native American people in all aspects of the law that intersect with the issues and needs of Native Americans.

   Carma Corcoran, director of L&C's Indian Law Program

Title

Director

Department(s)

Indian Law Program

What three words would you use to describe Lewis & Clark?

Learning, Adapting, Innovating

Tell us about your heritage. How has this shaped your educational and/or career journey?

All aspects of my life, including my education and career, are defined by my being a Native American woman and an enrolled citizen of the Chippewa Cree Nation. My personal journey includes experiences that unfortunately are not uncommon to my generation. I was removed from my home, became a foster kid, and later adopted into a non-Native family. Fortunately, as an older child, I knew who I was and never completely lost contact. Once I was of age, I was able to reconnect with my family and my cultural heritage.

Where do you find some of your most significant influences from your heritage, such as role models or inspirations (these could be from your past and/or current)?

My first significant influence came from my grandfather. He was forced to attend Chemawa Indian School. As a young woman I spent time speaking with him and he shared how that experience changed his life and how he overcame being taken from his family, tribe, and culture. He went on to serve our tribe as a council member, testified before Congress, and was recognized as a wise man. He was very proud of me and encouraged me to both do good work and to walk in a good way.

From your perspective, what does a meaningful celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month include?

A meaningful celebration includes an acknowledgement of the people of the place where we live and that unless we are tribal people of that place, we are visitors. For example, as a Chippewa Cree person, my homelands include parts of what is now known as Canada and Montana. I am a visitor here in Oregon. In addition, a meaningful celebration recognizes and admits the true history of Native Americans in regards to colonists and settlers. This is Indian Land.

What do you enjoy most about Lewis & Clark students?

I enjoy that the students want to learn and hone their critical-thinking skills.

How does Lewis & Clark prepare students interested in your field to pursue a career after graduation?

The Indian Law Program prepares students to serve and address the needs of Native American people in all aspects of the law that intersect with the issues and needs of Native Americans.

What sets your program apart from other schools?

My program sets Lewis & Clark apart from other schools in that we offer more courses than Federal Indian Law, especially with our summer course offerings.

What do you think makes L&C graduates stand out?

Their interest in social justice issues and applying that to their chosen careers.

Indian Law Program