The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) works to build meaningful, respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with tribal nations across the Northwest. A key part of this work involves supporting collaborative research, education and outreach activities that reflect the priorities and values of Native American communities.
Since 2007, these efforts have been guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between U of I and 11 signatory tribes. This agreement outlines a shared commitment to tribal sovereignty, cultural respect and ethical collaboration.
If you’re planning to work with tribal communities through research, teaching or outreach, contact the OTR early in the process. We’re here to help ensure your work is ethical, respectful and impactful.
Several university offices work together to ensure that any project involving tribal communities is conducted responsibly and in partnership with tribal leadership:
At U of I, we believe that strong partnerships with tribal nations are built on respect, ethical engagement and shared goals. Whether through research, outreach or education, we follow guiding principles that honor tribal sovereignty, cultural knowledge and community priorities.
Our commitment is simple: to work alongside tribal nations in ways that show respect for tribal sovereignty, ethical accountability and adherence to tribal protocols. OTR supports these efforts, helping ensure that every partnership is built on trust and leads to meaningful, long-term impact.
Tribal nations are sovereign governments with their own laws, leadership and decision-making authority. Just as they work directly with state and federal governments, they also engage with University of Idaho on a government-to-institution basis. Our relationships with tribes are grounded in trust, respect and reciprocity.
Each tribal nation has its own systems to protect its rights, including laws around cultural knowledge, intellectual property and community practices. U of I respects these protections and works through OTR to make sure all research and outreach efforts are aligned with tribal policies.
We recognize that, historically, some research in Native communities was done without permission or cultural awareness — and in many cases, caused harm. U of I is committed to doing better. That means working in full partnership with tribes, prioritizing community well-being and honoring their right to shape the research that involves them.
To uphold our commitment, we follow a university-wide code of ethics for any research involving tribal nations. This code ensures that all projects are designed and carried out in ways that are respectful, collaborative and community-centered.
Because Native communities are among the most studied populations in the country, many tribal nations now require research permits or formal approval before a project can begin. These processes ensure that the work being done supports the tribe’s goals, aligns with community values and is carried out responsibly.
The Tribal Research and Programming Code of Ethics outlines key principles for building respectful, collaborative and meaningful partnerships with tribal nations. It ensures that research, outreach and programming honor tribal sovereignty, cultural knowledge and community priorities.
Strong partnerships begin with early and active collaboration. Researchers and project teams must involve tribal leadership from the start to:
Respect for tribal knowledge systems, cultural values and traditions is essential. This includes:
Projects should be driven by the needs and priorities of the tribal nation. A relational approach means:
Mutual respect and benefit are at the heart of ethical engagement. This means:
These principles guide our commitment at University of Idaho to conduct research and outreach that is ethical, transparent and grounded in trust. By following this code of ethics, we work to build lasting relationships that support the goals of tribal nations and uphold shared values.
An interdisciplinary initiative that supports collaboration between U of I and tribal nations in areas such as research, education, cultural preservation and community development.
Provides stipends and professional development for certified teachers who serve Indigenous communities in Idaho. The program enhances culturally relevant teaching and leadership practices.
Through interdisciplinary research, teaching and community engagement, CIIRE works to elevate Indigenous perspectives and expand understanding of Indigenous lands, peoples and knowledge systems across higher education.