Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research is to strengthen the government to institution relationship between Tribal Nations and the University of Idaho. We strive to foster respect and mutually productive collaborations in sharing of knowledge, research and education that support Tribal Self-determination. University of Idaho’s commitment to its land-grant mission will help us to develop, recognize and promote a learning environment that provides access to education for Tribal citizens which contributes to economic development that fosters Nation building.

History

In 2007, this office was established to provide leadership, guidance and support for Native American initiatives, organizations and programming that align with the mission of the office and University of Idaho’s strategic plan. U of I recognize that Tribal Nations are sovereign, therefore established on MOU agreement with Tribal Nations to facilitate a Native American Advisory Board to the President that consists of Tribal leaders and delegates.

The Executive Director of Tribal Government, Community and Student Engagement is responsible for facilitating, planning and implementing open dialogue between members of Tribal Nations in the Northwest and the University of Idaho in order to best serve the Tribal Nations, the University, states and regions. The Executive Director collaborates and partners with colleges and other support areas to identify opportunities to support faculty in scholarship, outreach and engagement with Tribal communities to create and develop program infrastructure for Native American student recruitment and retention.

The office resides in the Office of the President to foster respectful and reciprocal relationships. Regular biannual meetings with the President solidify this pivotal relationship. To further carry out the MOU’s mission, the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research encompasses the Native American Student Center, Tribal Research, Native youth camps and more.