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Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion

MISSION

The mission of Native American and Indigenous Affairs (NAIA) is to oversee the implementation of university-wide initiatives related to the inclusion of Native American and Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and alumni. NAIA also serves as liaison with tribal communities, building and sustaining partnerships with tribal nations, institutions, and community organizations.

HISTORY

The success of the One Book One Northwestern reading selection led to the formation of the Native American and Indigenous Peoples Steering Group, which worked during the 2016–17 academic year to sustain the momentum and interest in Native and Indigenous people, history and culture. In addition, a temporary, one-year staff position was created in the Office of the President to help support the group and advise Northwestern on its broader efforts moving forward. In 2017, oversight of this work shifted to the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. That year, the office hired a senior program coordinator for Native American and Indigenous Initiatives to help lead and coordinate the work across the University.  OIDI now oversees the implementation of University-wide initiatives around Native American and Indigenous inclusion. 

NAIA Goals:

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  • Relationships- build strong, sustainable relationships with Native Nations, institutions and communities in order to promote understanding, collaboration, unity and healing

  • Visibility- increase awareness and presence of Native American and Indigenous worldviews and experiences towards personal, collective and institutional growth

  • Knowledge- support academic and research opportunities that promote the recentering and advancement of Indigenous knowledge

  • People- develop opportunities for community building and support the creation of pathways for current and future Northwestern students, faculty, staff and alumni

NAIA Initiatives:

STAFFphoto of director jasmine gurneau smiling with long black hair and a green oneida style shirt with a beaded medallion of willie the wildcat

Jasmine Gurneau (she/hers), Oneida/Menominee
Director, Native American and Indigenous Affairs