POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam has partnered with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and St. Lawrence College in Ontario to offer a degree completion program in archaeological studies.

Indigenous students can begin their studies by earning a general arts and sciences diploma from St. Lawrence College through the program offered at the Iohahi:io Education and Training Centre in Akwesasne. Mohawk students can then transfer to SUNY Potsdam to complete their junior and senior years in the College's archaeological studies baccalaureate program.

"SUNY Potsdam is proud to partner with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and St. Lawrence College on this exciting initiative," said President Kristin G. Esterberg.

"Our archeological studies program is unique, and our faculty and students regularly conduct filed work researching the history of indigenous peoples in our region and beyond. Through this partnership, we hope to prepare students to become leaders in this field."

Grand Chief Abram Benedict of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne said that that there is a need for archaeological specialists in this region, "as the St. Lawrence Seaway holds centuries of shared history." Residents of Akwesasne will be trained for an interdisciplinary and in-demand career.

More info: www.potsdam.edu/academics/AAS/Anthro.