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The Office of Tribal Relations is dedicated to building strong partnerships with Tribal Nations, advancing research that honors Indigenous knowledge and supporting the success of Native students. Through culturally grounded programs, community engagement and collaborative initiatives, we strive to create an environment where Native students thrive and where university research is conducted with respect, relevance and impact.

We are committed to fostering meaningful connections, celebrating cultural diversity and supporting shared learning and growth.

Office of Tribal Relations staff

Kristine Attao
Program Coordinator
kattao@uidaho.edu

Melanie Velazco Curiel
Business Specialist
melaniev@uidaho.edu

Tribal Relations Advisory Group (TRAG)

The Tribal Relations Advisory Group (TRAG) is made up of faculty and staff across campus who are dedicated to supporting Indigenous students and fostering partnerships with tribal communities.

TRAG members play a vital role in:

  • Presenting research and promoting culturally relevant scholarship.
  • Supporting recruitment, retention and student success.
  • Sharing scholarship opportunities.
  • Building relationships with the 11 MOU tribes.

Together, we work toward a holistic approach that reflects the values and goals of tribal communities and University of Idaho.

Meet our TRAG members

Vanessa Anthony-Stevens
Associate Professor
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Focus areas:

  • Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP)
  • Center for Interdisciplinary Indigenous Research and Education (CIIRE)

Dianne Baumann
Assistant Professor
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

Focus areas:

  • Native American identity
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Cultural anthropology
  • Social justice

Leanna Dann
Director
TRiO McNair Scholars program

Focus areas:

  • Supporting first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students preparing for graduate school

Chris Hamilton
Assistant Professor
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Focus areas:

  • Research in environmental sciences
  • Supporting Native students pursuing STEM careers

Dylan Hedden-Nicely
Professor of Law
College of Law

Focus areas:

  • Promoting Native American law education and engagement with tribal sovereignty

Dakota Kidder
Program Coordinator
Tribal Nations Student Affairs

Focus areas:

  • Developing culturally responsive programs and mentorship opportunities for Native students

Steve Martin
Director
Tribal Nations Student Affairs

Focus areas:

  • Strengthening partnerships with MOU tribes
  • Leading retention initiatives rooted in cultural support

Sarah Penney
Outreach and Communication Coordinator
Idaho EPSCoR

Focus area:

  • Connecting students to scholarships and retention resources in STEM

Shanny Spang-Gion
Visiting Tribal Scholar
College of Natural Resources

Focus areas:

  • Leading the BioRISE initiative on Indigenous ecological resilience

Philip Stevens
Associate Professor and Director of American Indian Studies

Focus areas:

  • Exploring Indigenous knowledge as dynamic, diverse and place-based
  • Teaching and community engagement
University of Idaho Office of Equity and Diversity staff portraits

Yolanda Bisbee

Executive Director
VIEW FULL PROFILE

Meet the Tribal Nations Student Affairs (TNSA) team

The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) serves as the University of Idaho’s central hub for building and strengthening partnerships with Tribal Nations. Tribal Nations Student Affairs (TNSA) operates under OTR, focusing specifically on supporting Native students through academic, cultural, and community engagement.

Connect with TNSA employeesConnect with TNSA employees

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Contact us

Office of Tribal Relations

Email: tribal-relations@uidaho.edu
Phone: 208-885-2468
Fax: 208-885-6558
Location: Administration Building Room 201
Mailing Address:

Office of Tribal Relations
875 Perimeter Drive MS 3157
Moscow, ID 83844-3157

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