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Indigenous Strategic Plan

Starting in Fall of 2022, the Native American and Indigenous Strategic Planning Committee came together to lead a process of collective visioning and planning.  The process included a series of information gathering, engagement with key stakeholders, the campus, and local community, to solicit input and feedback, look at the current realities facing Northwestern, including opportunities and gaps, and map out some collective strategic priorities, resource needs, and a blueprint to implement them.  This process culminated in a set of institutional priorities and a framework for guiding our direction through the end of the 2027 academic year.

Strategic Priorities

Through our comprehensive collection of input, assessment, and facilitation of nominal group processes, the following five priority areas were established. These five goals serve as a guiding framework for implementing strategies and efforts that are informed by and with Indigenous community and the guiding principles of Northwestern. These goals serve as a comprehensive resource that can be applied in relevant ways for any school, unit, department, or individual across the University to develop their own implementation plans. With each goal and its description, we’ve also included select examples of resources or efforts that are currently underway at Northwestern.

The Native American & Indigenous Strategic Plan sets the framework for a range of action plans targeting five key areas:

  1. INVEST IN HUMAN, SPACE, AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT STRATEGIC PLAN 
  2. ENHANCE NORTHWESTERN LEADERSHIP EFFICACY AND CAPACITY 
  3. CREATE NU-WIDE KNOWLEDGE AND PROGRAMS GROUNDED IN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGES AND SELF-DETERMINATION 
  4. EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH TRIBAL & INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES 
  5. INCREASE SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT OF NAI STUDENTS AT NORTHWESTERN, INCLUDING PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, CURRENT STUDENTS AND ALUMNI 

The Plan:  

History:  

  • Read the blog of strategic planning updates
  • Learn about the history of Native American & Indigenous efforts at Northwestern
  • Read the original Native American Outreach and Inclusion Task Force Recommendations Report  

Resources:  In development Summer 2024, check back here in September 2024

  • Implementation Resources 
  • Supporting Documents & Reports
  • Professional Development and Training opportunities
  • Ways to contribute

Events:  

  • Fall Kick-off Event 
  • Info Sessions 
  • Community of Practice Gatherings