About

Mission and Vision

Northwestern is a community of learners situated within a network of historical and contemporary relationships with Native American tribes, communities, parents, students, and alumni. At Northwestern, we seek to create spaces where Native American and Indigenous people are heard, their identities are honored, and they can be successful members of Northwestern as well as good tribal and community citizens.

The mission of Native American & Indigenous Affairs is to strengthen tribal sovereignty and advance Indigenous self-determination by providing culturally grounded education and programming, hosting meaningful community engagement, facilitating consultations with Tribal Nations, and building institutional capacity to work responsibly with and for Native American and Indigenous communities. 

History of Initiatives

Native American and Indigenous History and Timeline 

Northwestern is committed to enhancing inclusion of Native Americans in many aspects of the University community.  In 2015, the Office of the Provost began leading the initiative on Native American Inclusion and reviewing and responding to recommendations of the Task Force, as well as stimulating additional ideas and directions through conversations across the University. 

Trace the history and find the reports related to the Native American inclusion initiative: 

• John Evans Study Committee, formed in 2013 and report issued in 2014 

• Native American Outreach and Inclusion Task Force, formed and report issued in 2014 

• Indigenous Studies Research Initiative, created in 2015 

• Native American Leadership Council, formed in 2015 

• Native American-Indigenous Peoples Steering Group, formed in 2015 

• The Native American Inclusion Initiative at Northwestern University began in 2014. Use this timeline to learn about the history of its development and outcomes.