Tribal Nations
Relationships grounded in respect
Arizona State University’s relationships with Tribal Nations are grounded in respect for sovereignty, government-to-government engagement and long-term partnerships.
The Office of Tribal Nations Advancement and Indigenous Futures works in coordination with the Office of Government and Community Engagement to support ASU’s formal relationships with the 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations in Arizona and to engage with Tribal Nations across the United States whose citizens attend or partner with the university.
Our role is to ensure engagement is consistent, coordinated and aligned with both Tribal priorities and institutional responsibility.
Government-to-government engagement
ASU engages Tribal Nations as sovereign governments.
We support formal communication and consultation between Tribal leadership and university leadership, ensuring that interactions reflect sovereign protocols, institutional accountability and clarity of purpose.
Our approach is guided by listening, continuity and relationship-building beyond any single initiative or leadership term.
Engagement may include:
Government-to-government meetings
Formal consultation processes
Tribal delegation visits to campus
Strategic partnership discussions
Coordination across ASU colleges, research units and administrative offices
Current partnerships
Explore our Tribal partnerships in areas such as workforce and leadership development, digital sovereignty, law and policy and more.
Tribal consultation framework
ASU operates under the Arizona Board of Regents Tribal Consultation Policy, approved in 2016. This board-level policy establishes principles governing interactions between Arizona’s public universities and the Tribal Nations of Arizona.
The policy affirms that engagement with Tribal Nations must reflect:
- Recognition of Tribal sovereignty
- Respect for Tribal governance, laws and cultural protocols
- Good faith communication and collaboration
- Advance consultation on initiatives that may affect Tribal Nations
- Compliance with Tribal protocols, federal law and Arizona Board of Regents Tribal Consultation Policy (ABOR 1-118)
Consultation is required for university-sanctioned research conducted on Tribal lands, research involving Tribal citizens, initiatives affecting Tribal communities differently than the general public, land use matters and agreements involving culturally significant materials.
ASU Tribal consultation commitment
In alignment with ABOR policy 1-118 and the ASU Charter, Arizona State University approaches consultation as a relationship-based responsibility grounded in sovereignty, respect and reciprocity.
We understand consultation as more than a procedural requirement. It is an ongoing process shaped by listening, trust and shared accountability. ASU affirms that consultation reflects our broader commitment to Indigenous futures, public value and long-term partnership with Tribal Nations.
Our commitments
Honor sovereignty and self-determination
Engage Tribal Nations as sovereign governments and respect their governance structures and protocols.
Recognize Indigenous knowledge
Value Indigenous knowledge systems as essential sources of leadership and innovation within collaborative efforts.
Engage early and consistently
Initiate consultation in advance of decisions that may affect Tribal Nations and maintain clear, coordinated communication.
Support collaborative development
Facilitate collaborative development of research, policies and initiatives aligned with Tribal priorities and institutional responsibilities.
Protect cultural and intellectual sovereignty
Uphold agreed-upon standards of consent, confidentiality, data governance and knowledge protection consistent with ABOR policy and applicable law.
Sustain relationships
Maintain dialogue and accountability beyond any single initiative or engagement.
Engaging with ASU
The Office of Tribal Relations coordinates directly with the vice president and special advisor to the president on American Indian affairs on matters requiring executive-level engagement.
We assist with:
- Initiating consultation processes
- Coordinating meetings with university leadership
- Navigating ASU colleges, research centers and administrative offices
- Supporting delegation visits and campus engagement
- Ensuring continuity and follow-through
Karen Gray
Senior Coordinator
Office of Government and Community Engagement
Candace Hamana
Director of Tribal Relations
Office of Government and Community Engagement
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.