About
Identity and purpose
The Office of Tribal Nations Advancement and Indigenous Futures, formerly the Office of American Indian Initiatives, reflects an expanded and strengthened commitment at Arizona State University.
“Tribal Nations Advancement” affirms nation-to-nation relationships and recognizes Tribal Nations as sovereign governments. “Indigenous Futures” reflects a commitment to long-term success, cultural vitality and leadership across generations — including Indigenous communities in Arizona, across the United States and in global contexts where ASU engages.
Our role
We ensure that Tribal Nations advancement is coordinated across campuses, colleges, schools, centers and programs — connecting Tribal priorities with university-wide resources. OTNAIF serves as a university-wide framework, aligning:
Executive leadership within University Affairs
Government-to-government engagement through the Office of Government and Community Engagement
Indigenous student access and success initiatives through Access ASU, within Educational Outreach and Student Services
Tribally focused and Indigenous-led research, strategic partnerships, and cultural stewardship
Alignment with the ASU Charter
The ASU Charter calls on the university to be measured “not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed.” The Charter also calls on the university to accept, “…fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves.”
For Tribal Nations, this means sustained partnership grounded in humility, accountability and respect for Tribal sovereign status and self-determination.
OTNAIF is structured to provide clear, direct and meaningful ways for Tribal Nations to engage with ASU based on their priorities.
Why this matters now
Tribal Nations are advancing sovereign priorities across education, governance, protection of natural resources, economic development and community well-being. Institutions of higher education have a duty and responsibility to sustain and nurture all the communities they serve and must engage in ways that reflect coordination, accountability, long-term partnership and goals of mutual interest and sustainable success.
OTNAIF strengthens ASU’s ability to meet this responsibility with clarity and alignment.
Commitment from President Crow
In March 2025, President Michael M. Crow reaffirmed Arizona State University’s commitment to strengthening Tribal Nations and Communities. His letter to Tribal leaders underscores ASU’s dedication to supporting Tribal sovereignty, self-governance and long-term economic viability that benefits the entire state.
A legacy of leadership
Peterson Zah
ASU’s first special advisor to the president, 1995–2011
Peterson Zah (December 2, 1937 – March 7, 2023) served as chairman (1982–1987) and president (1990–1994) of the Navajo Nation, bringing unparalleled leadership experience and deep expertise in tribal relations to Arizona State University. An ASU alumnus, Zah earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the university and was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from ASU, Colorado College and the College of Santa Fe.
As a leader of the Navajo Nation, Zah championed Indigenous education by implementing new educational policies. He renegotiated mineral, coal, oil and gas leases with major energy companies while working to resolve the longstanding Hopi-Navajo land dispute. These experiences would directly inform his transformative work at ASU.
In 1995, ASU President Michael Crow recognized Zah’s singular expertise and stature and recruited him to establish the inaugural position of special advisor to the president on American Indian affairs. Zah helped define this position from the ground up. During his 16 year tenure, Zah laid the foundation for what the office is today. He built and strengthened relationships with Tribal nations across Arizona, developed many of the American Indian initiatives that remain central to the university’s mission and significantly grew the American Indian student population at ASU. His vision and leadership created a lasting institutional framework for how ASU engages with Indigenous communities, and his legacy continues to shape every aspect of the office he helped create.
Commitment to Indigenous futures
OTNAIF centers the wisdom Indigenous peoples have carried since time immemorial and prepares the leaders of future generations.
Rooted in respectful relationships with Tribal Nations and informed by engagement with Indigenous communities nationally and globally, we strengthen partnerships across education, research and stakeholder priorities.
Mission
To strengthen ASU’s partnership with Tribal Nations by honoring sovereignty; uplifting Indigenous knowledge systems; and advancing opportunities for Native students, communities and future leaders.
We connect Tribal priorities with university-wide resources to support collaboration, innovation and lasting positive impact.
Vision
A university where Tribal Nation and Indigenous leadership, knowledge and presence shape the future — across every campus, discipline and guiding principles.
Engage with us
Get in touch to request a meeting or consultation, discuss research and partnership opportunities, invite ASU to your community, connect with university leadership, or share your questions or feedback.