Nathan Feller: “How long have you been teaching?”
Dr. Mary Bordeaux: “I have been teaching in higher education for about 10 years, mostly as an adjunct. I’ve been teaching full-time for two and a half years, and this is my second semester at BHSU. Beyond the classroom, I’ve always been involved in teaching through mentorship, overseeing internships and leading community workshops.”
Feller: “What is your favorite thing about teaching at BHSU?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “I enjoy being so close to the homelands of the Oceti Sakowin as a Lakota person and having the opportunity to develop American Indian Studies courses that are relevant to this region. Teaching students from this area, especially Native students, and engaging in conversations that connect directly to our histories, cultures and communities is deeply meaningful to me.”
Feller: “What kind of professor do you strive to be?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “I strive to be a student-centered professor whose teaching is grounded in community and the Lakota value of being a good relative. I want to create a space where students feel supported in their learning and where knowledge is shared in a way that is reciprocal, engaging and meaningful beyond the classroom.”
Feller: “When/how did you know you wanted to be a professor of American Indian Studies?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “Teaching wasn’t always my plan, but my work in museums and arts administration has always lent itself to education in some way. As I navigated my master’s and doctoral programs, I struggled to articulate myself and feel supported as a Lakota scholar and often wished there were more Native scholars to learn from. The Native scholars who guided and supported me were vital to my education. Because I believe deeply in reciprocity, I want to stand in that value and support students as they move through their own academic journeys.”
Feller: “How many classes are you teaching this semester?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “I’m teaching four courses this semester: American Indian Oral Literature, American Indian Art History, Traditional Lakota Arts, and Indian Community Organizing & Development.”
Feller: “Which one is your favorite?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “Each class offers something different, and I enjoy them all in unique ways. Teaching Traditional Lakota Arts allows for hands-on creative work, while American Indian Oral Literature and Art History provide space for deep discussions about storytelling and visual culture. Indian Community Organizing & Development is exciting because it connects academic learning to real-world action.”
Feller: “What is your favorite non-work-related hobby?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “I love making things—sewing, beading, working with leather and even designing and building furniture. Being creative and working with my hands is a big part of who I am.”
Feller: “If you could have any job other than the one you have now, what would it be?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “If I had the courage, I would be a full-time arts organizer and artist.”
Feller: “What is one piece of advice you would give to every student?”
Dr. Bordeaux: “Stay critical, curious and ask questions not just in class, but about the world around you. Be intentional about the knowledge you seek, and always remember that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. We learn in relationship with others, so be a good relative in the process—support your peers, listen deeply, and find ways to give back.”
