Professor nominated for Nobel Prize

Assistant Professor of Native American Studies and of Women's Studies Andrea Smith is one of 40 U.S. women who have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize as part of a global initiative sponsored by the Swiss-based organization "1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005."

The group makes the point that women around the world commit themselves daily to the cause of peace and justice, rebuild what has been destroyed in villages and cities, fight against poverty and create new sources of income. Yet, since 1901, 80 men, 20 organizations and 12 women have received the Nobel Peace Prize, project organizers report.

"It is hoped that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to a number of women will enhance the recognition and honor accorded women's work throughout the world," the group states on its Web site.

"What I think is cool about this project is that it does not highlight one woman, but shows that real peace happens when movements of people begin to work together to make change," Smith says. "I think it is important that we break our reliance on the charismatic personality-driven types of organizing, and develop organizing projects that foster collectivity and mutual cooperation in order to really change our world."

Smith was asked last fall to be one of the 1,000. She speculates the invitation was sparked by her work to form "Incite! Women of Color Against Violence," which addresses domestic and sexual abuse among other issues.

Smith also has helped co-found Critical Resistance: Beyond the Prison Industrial Complex, the Boarding School Healing Project, and the Chicago chapter of Women of All Red Nations. She also supervised the violence against Native women project at Amnesty International for two years.

According to the statutes, the Nobel Prize can be awarded simultaneously to three individuals at the most, or to an organization. The 1,000 women were proposed to the Nobel Prize Committee Feb. 1 in Oslo, Norway.

"Some work on anti-war initiatives, some focus on racial justice, some do work on gender violence," Smith says.

Smith, a Cherokee, also is author of "Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide." A U-M assistant professor for three years, she holds a doctorate in history of consciousness from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

For more information, visit: http://www.1000peacewomen.org.

More Stories

• U-M pitches in to help Hurricane Katrina victims
• Variety of plans, Web enrollment available during selection period
• Genotyper could identify new flu in less than two hours
• Day of CHANGE to celebrate diversity
• Gramlich named interim provost, takes post Sept. 1
• Spotlight: Serving students
• University mentoring program helps girls build confidence
• Stearns exotic instruments await their day for display
• Student-led team shines in North American Solar Challenge
• UMHS professor joins biosecurity advisory board
• Computer crime on rise as U-M, others try to keep IT safe
• 'Cool' solution could save the metalworking industry billions
• Research Notes
• Proposed changes to regents' bylaws
• Giving fellow students space
• AATA Link service resumes Aug. 29; combines with U-M Oxford/Trotter Shuttle
• Campus and community benefit from successful MRide program
• Turtle eggs healthy sign at U-M-Dearborn
• Professor nominated for Nobel Prize
• New chief takes over UMHS surgical slot
• Traffic, parking to change during students' return
• Don't Miss
• Photo: Arb acquisition to aid access
• Photo: Stamp act
• Photo: Japan delegation visits alumni, students
• Photo: Best wishes for Provost Courant