History in Translation
History in Translation is an annual summer experiential learning program of the CCE. Students from diverse linguistic, cultural, and educational contexts gather as a cohort to explore an historical experience or event in service of present- day social justice - and the vision of an equitable and inclusive future.
Applications for History in Translation 2023 are now closed.
Applications are now closed History in Translation 2023, which was a partnership with the Middlebury School of Abenaki and the University of Waikato.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis – with the application period ending in late April each year; sooner if we reach capacity.
Program Description
In the summer of 2022, undergraduates from Middlebury College and International Christian University gathered for an experiential exploration of the impacts and lessons (past and present) of Executive Order 9066. Since recognized as an enduring and brutally impactful violation of civil rights, Executive Order 9066 was issued in 1942 by then U.S. president Franklin Delano Roosevelt in response to a fear of subterfuge by Japanese Americans living on the West Coast. The order entailed the mass incarceration of over 100,000 civilians of Japanese descent, the majority of whom were American citizens.
Collaborative work created through the 2022 History in Translation program can be viewed here, including pictures and videos, translated documents, and more.
The summer 2023 program was a collaboration between CCE, the Middlebury School of Abenaki, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori Office, University of Waikato. This was an affinity learning and engagement space with a focus on language reclamation and an exchange of Indigenous, First Nation, Native, American Indian, and Māori language, history and culture.
This was a 17-day*, in-person program, taking place in the northeast region of the United States in early June, with some preliminary (remote) activities in April and May.
Former Program Schedule*:
April: pre-departure orientation (2 hours)
May: program planning and team building (2-4 hours)
June 6 - June 18: in-person programming (includes arrival and departure days)
June locations and activities included:
- Ndakinna (Greenfield Center, NY) https://www.ndakinnacenter.org/
- Abenaki history, culture and stories w/Joseph Bruchac (Saratoga Springs poet laureate)
- Pitney Meadows Community Farm (Saratoga Springs, NY) https://www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/
- Saratoga Arts (Saratoga Springs, NY) https://www.saratoga-arts.org/
- Saratoga medicinal springs http://saratoganativefestival.com/saratoga-springs/
- Adirondack Experience Museum (Blue Mountain Lake, NY) https://www.theadkx.org/
- Sagamore, NY https://www.sagamore.org/
- Alnôbaiwi Center (Burlington, VT) https://www.alnobaiwi.org/
- ECHO center (Burlington, VT) https://www.echovermont.org/
- Drum making workshop
- Basket making workshop
- Middlebury, VT, the Knoll - Planting, visit and work on Abenaki Longhouse https://www.middlebury.edu/office/franklin-environmental-center/get-inv…
- Abenaki Heritage Celebration at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (Vergennes, Vermont) https://abenakiart.org/blog9/abenaki-heritage-weekend/
Information on Eligibility for 2023
As an affinity learning and engagement space, participants included Indigenous, First Nation, Native, American Indian, and Māori students from Middlebury and the University of Waikato. Preference was given to those who can demonstrate strong leadership potential, community involvement, and/or community contribution. Participants in general must be 18 years and older. Participating Middlebury undergraduates came from the classes of 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Cost Details
Reasonable transportation costs to and from Vermont (airport-to-airport); and in-program travel, room, and board will be provided, at no charge, to all program participants. Participants will be responsible for transportation to and from their airport of departure/return; and all expenses associated with visa and/or passport fees, overseas travel insurance, and any testing, certifications, quarantine or other costs related to COVID protocols and requirements.
Application & Timeline
Applications were accepted on a rolling basis – with the application period ending April 27; sooner if we reach capacity.
If you have questions, please contact Kristen Mullins at kmullins@middlebury.edu.
Other Requirements
Participants must comply with all Middlebury College risk management protocols throughout the program; including but not limited to COVID policy – such as proof of vaccination and booster status. Program participants are also required to demonstrate appropriate medical insurance coverage; including international travel insurance for those traveling from outside the United States.