Tribal Nations Student Affairs

Supporting native students. Honoring tribal nations.

The mission of University of Idaho Tribal Nations Student Affairs (TNSA) is to foster academic excellence and community empowerment by valuing and addressing the specific needs of U of I students connected to tribal nations. We are dedicated to honoring and promoting tribal sovereignty and identity, with a specific commitment to the 11 MOU tribes.

In alignment with our land grant mission, we strive to create access to educational resources and opportunities, while fostering a place of belonging for all Indigenous students. Through our programs and initiatives, we empower students to engage with and advocate for their rights, traditions and futures, supporting the rich heritage and distinct perspectives of Indigenous communities.

What we offer

Tribal Nations Student Affairs offers a range of opportunities that support academic, cultural and personal growth, including:

• Cultural events and celebrations
  Participate in powwows, traditional ceremonies and heritage events that honor Native culture.
• Academic and career support
  Receive tutoring, mentoring and workshops tailored to help Native students succeed.
• Community and connection
  Explore opportunities to connect with Native communities on- and off-campus, through partnerships, volunteering and service projects that support Indigenous causes.
• Leadership development
  Build leadership skills in preparation to advocate for Indigenous rights and issues.
• Mentorship and networking
  Connect with Native alumni, professionals and leaders to receive insight into future career paths.
• Workshops and guest speakers
  Hear from Native perspectives on identity, history and modern Indigenous issues.
• Clubs and organizations
  Join Native student groups and cultural clubs to find a sense of community and shared purpose.
• Student gathering space
  Build relationships, express yourself tribally, share meals and cultivate growth in our center.

These opportunities make the center a dynamic resource for students interested in exploring Indigenous culture, supporting tribal communities and building meaningful connections that extend beyond their academic experience.

Plan a visit

Thinking of visiting U of I? Tribal Nations Student Affairs can help tailor your visit so you feel welcomed and informed. Here’s how to get started:

• Connect with us
  Email or call us to let us know when you’re coming and what you’d like to explore.
• Prepare a list of questions
  Bring any questions about classes, scholarships, cultural events or adjusting to campus life.
• Get a tour
  We can show you around our center and campus locations including Native gathering spaces and art installations on campus.
• Join an event
  See if there’s a cultural celebration, speaker or student gathering during your visit that you can attend.
• Learn about mentorship opportunities
  Ask about programs that connect new students with Native mentors. These programs can be a valuable support system as you transition to college life.
• Stay connected
  Take home contact information and resources to help as you plan your next steps.

Want to learn more?

Have a question or want to connect with someone from our team? Just fill out the form below — or reach out directly by emailing us at natives@uidaho.edu or calling 208-885-4237.

History of Tribal Nations Student Affairs

Tribal Nations Student Affairs at U of I was officially established in 2007, emerging from the vision and commitment of the Native American Advisory Board along with university employees who recognized the need for a dedicated space for Indigenous students. Their understanding of the unique challenges faced by Native American students — including cultural isolation, academic barriers and historically low enrollment and retention rates — drove the initiative to create a supportive environment focused on recruitment and retention.

The goal of TNSA was to foster a sense of belonging and cultural identity while providing resources tailored to the needs of Indigenous students. As such, TNSA focused on community-building through cultural events, mentorship programs and academic support services designed to enhance student engagement and success. The university community actively collaborated with students to ensure that TNSA reflected their needs and aspirations, ultimately helping to recruit more Indigenous students and retain them through a strong support network that honors and upholds tribal sovereignty and celebrates cultural identity.