Mission

Western Washington University’s Department of Anthropology is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the four sub-fields of anthropology (Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biocultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology). The Anthropology major is a liberal arts degree with a broad base of information and understanding about human behavior. This unique, critical perspective provides a framework for understanding the many sub-cultural differences we meet every day. The Anthropology major can open many doors of opportunity and provide valuable training to successfully deal with the future.

Our program, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, reflects a strong commitment to a cross-cultural, comparative perspective. Students in each of our degree programs have the opportunity to work with and take courses from faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized teachers.
 

Statements

Land Acknowledgement

As we meet, work, and interact in physical and virtual spaces, we affirm our support for Indigenous sovereignty throughout the United States and throughout the world, acknowledging that wherever we may physically be in the United States, the land retains and reflects the impact of settler colonial violence. We acknowledge that our campus is located on unceded land belonging to the Indigenous Coast Salish population here since time immemorial. We acknowledge that anthropology was part of a system that upheld settler colonialism and acknowledge the responsibility the past confers on us.

We affirm our respect to the Elders past and present from the Skagit, Swinomish, Samish, Sauk-Suiattle, Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, Suquamish, S’Klallams, Skokomish, Duwamish, Nisqually, Snoqualmie, Muckleshoot, and especially from the Nooksack and Lummi Nation who teach us through their enduring care and protection of the land and waters.