Tribal Relations staff
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
Yolanda Bisbee
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.