Native American Center of Excellence

Join the MCPS NASS Department for their Back to School BBQ!

Monday, August 24th from 5 - 6:30 PM in Admin B 909 South Ave.

Friday, June 26th was the last day of the Pathways to Pharm.D. Summer Program!

The students developed a Field Guide of Traditional Plants around the University of Montana and presented their research on Friday morning.

After their research presentations, Dr. Cherith Smith provided the Pathways to Pharm.D. students and NACOE team with a traditional meal.

On June 25th, Josh Marceau, PhD delivered a lunch and learn for the students about his academic and professional journey.

The Native American Center of Excellence was honored to welcome Leo Bird, a Blackfeet Elder, to campus on June 19 to speak to the Pathways to Pharm.D. students.

As part of Leo's visit, he led a field trip to Pattee Canyon, where students gained hands-on experience harvesting and learning about traditional Blackfeet plants and medicines.

On June 18, Dr. Cherith Smith led an informative field trip to a Camas Field, the Confluence of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers, and the Four Sisters Garden at the University of Montana PEAS Farm.

Pathways to Pharm.D. students were able to gain hands-on experience with Indigenous plant knowledge and food sovereignty practices.

The Native American Center of Excellence was honored to welcome Dr. Iris PrettyPaint to speak to the Pathways to Pharm.D. students on June 17.

Dr. PrettyPaint, a Blackfeet and Crow Elder, spoke to the students about "Finding Your Place: Building Relationships, Navigating Pharmacy School, and Preparing for a Future of Service and Leadership".

On Saturday, June 13, the Pathways to Pharm.D. students tabled at the Indigenous Made Market and provided the Native American community with information on Overdose Prevention.

The P2PD students also learned about Indigenous Food Sovereignty and practiced their cooking skills by incorporating healthy foods into Indigenous recipes!

The Native American Center of Excellence Pathways to Pharm.D. Summer Program started on June 1st!

The NACOE team was able to successfully recruit 7 students from Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico. Our students will be starting their P1 Year of Pharmacy School at the University of Montana, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Arizona this fall!

We were honored to welcome Blackfeet elder and knowledge holder, Darnell Rides At The Door on June 4th. Darnell provided our students with a presentation on Blackfeet traditional medicines.

Congratulations to all of our graduating students!

Congratulations to the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2026!