Office of Tribal Relations

Supporting culture, collaboration and student success

University of Idaho is honored to partner with tribal nations throughout the Northwest. The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) helps strengthen these relationships by fostering respectful collaboration, supporting Native American students and advancing education and research that honor tribal sovereignty, culture and knowledge.

As Idaho’s land-grant university, U of I is committed to increasing access to higher education for tribal citizens and contributing to community development that supports nation building.

OTR serves as a central connection point for:

• Government-to-institution relationships with tribal nations
• Advocacy and support for Native students
• Coordination of the Tribal Advisory Council and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) tribes
• Access to resources for research, outreach and scholarly collaboration
• Support for cultural events and Indigenous-led programming

Memorandum of Understanding

University of Idaho and 11 signatory tribes signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their partnership and work together to support Native students, communities and cultures.

U of I is committed to providing access to high-quality education for all Idaho residents. In this spirit, the university honors the sovereign status of tribal nations and their rights to self-governance and self-determination.

Because U of I is located on the homelands of many Native peoples, this agreement reflects a shared responsibility to:

• Build strong, respectful relationships between the university and tribal nations
• Expand educational access and opportunities for Native students
• Enrich campus life for all through Indigenous knowledge, voices and perspectives

While the MOU is not a legal contract, it is a meaningful statement of collaboration and shared purpose. It serves as a foundation for ongoing dialogue, mutual respect and continuous improvement in how the university supports Native students and engages with tribal communities.

Read the full Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)

Download the Inter-institutional MOU (PDF)

Support tribal nation students

Your support directly empowers Native students at University of Idaho. Through scholarships, leadership development, cultural programming and mentorship, your generosity helps build strong, confident leaders for tomorrow.

Ways to support

• Scholarships that ease financial barriers and reward academic achievement
• Leadership and ambassador programs that inspire growth and confidence
• Cultural events like the Tutxinmepu Powwow and Native American Heritage Month
• Mentorship opportunities that connect students to role models and community

Donate now to support Native student success

Special giving opportunities

Dr. Art Taylor Indigenous Culture and Ecology Memorial Fund

Supports the Native Hawaiian Culture and Ecology course, blending cultural exploration with environmental restoration.

Donate to support

American Indian Education Foundation Challenge Grant

Doubles the impact of your gift through matching funds to create scholarships for Native students.

Donate to support

Hardy Foundation Emergency Fund

Provides urgent financial assistance to Native students facing unexpected hardships.

Donate to support

Mari Watters Scholarship Endowment

Honors the legacy of Mari Watters by supporting Native students dedicated to leadership, cultural preservation, and education.

Donate to support

Dr. Georgia Johnson Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Supports Native students, with priority given to those pursuing education or Native American law.

Donate to support

Our history

OTR was founded in 2007 to guide and support the university’s work with Native students, communities and governments.

Our work is grounded in the recognition that tribal nations are sovereign entities. To uphold this principle, U of I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 11 signatory tribes. Through this partnership, the university created a Native American Advisory Council that meets twice a year — once on campus and once at a tribal location — to strengthen communication and collaboration.

The office is led by the Executive Director of Tribal Government, Community and Student Engagement, who works closely with university leaders, faculty and tribal partners to:

• Facilitate respectful dialogue between the university and tribal communities
• Support Native student recruitment and retention
• Collaborate on research, scholarship and community engagement

OTR reflects U of I’s deep commitment to reciprocal, long-term partnerships with tribal nations.