Tribal Leaders Summit & Visiting Native Nations
NAATE brings together tribal leaders and dignitaries to engage with university leadership and students, fostering opportunities for listening and learning. Furthermore, regular visits to Tribal land enhance and reinforce our commitment to productive tribal consultation.
Tribal Leaders Summits
NAATE is committed to developing lasting partnerships with Native Nations. Annual Tribal Leader Summits are organized around key themes and are designed to continue the ongoing dialogue that connects Tribal Leaders with University leaders and resources.
Date: October 21 & 22, 2021
Location: Student Union Grand Ballroom
The University of Arizona hosted nearly two dozen tribal leaders from across the U.S. for a two-day summit focused on finding ways that university scholarship and programs can better serve tribes and tribal students.
The Tribal Leaders Summit, held on Oct. 21 and 22, was the first of what is intended to be an annual event with Indigenous leaders, said Nathan Levi Esquerra, Special Advisor for Native American advancement and tribal engagement.
Date: November 8, 2022
Theme: Advancing Tribal Health
Tribal leaders from across Arizona came together to meet with University of Arizona leaders and connect with a host of university programs that support the health and resilience of tribal communities.
Date: June 10, 2024
Tribal leaders from across the state gathered at the University of Arizona to meet with campus leaders and discuss ways to strengthen partnerships between the university and tribal communities in Arizona.
The event, hosted by the university's Office of Native American Initiatives and Tribal Engagement, was the third Tribal Leaders Summit the university has held since 2021.
Date: February 19, 2025
Theme: Strengthening Partnerships Through Tribal Consultation
Student Meet & Greet Events
As part of our commitment to creating community, cultural connection, and student empowerment, the Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement (NAATE) office hosts a series of Student Meet & Greet events with tribal leaders. These gatherings create meaningful spaces for Native American students to engage directly with their tribal leadership, hear personal stories of resilience and success, and receive encouragement rooted in shared cultural values. These events provide students with inspiration, mentorship, and a renewed sense of belonging as they pursue their academic goals.
So far, we’ve had the honor of welcoming leaders from the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, each offering unique insights and support to students. These visits serve not only as moments of cultural pride but also as opportunities for students to engage in dialogue around leadership, education, and the future of their communities. By connecting students with their tribal leaders on campus, we help bridge their academic experience with their cultural identity, strengthening both their confidence and their connection to home.
Native Elder's Program
The Visiting Elder's Program is a new initiative that invites Tribal Elders from Native Nations to be honored guests on Campus. Program Goals:
- Deepen Tribal Engagement with UA Students, faculty, staff and leadership.
- Provide culturally affirming time for students from the visiting Tribe to engage directly with their elders.
- Share cultural wisdom with student support staff to expand cultural competencies and improve services for Native Students.
- Facilitate faculty collaboration with vising elders, especially those with ongoing or prospective Tribal projects.
- Give Elders a comprehensive campus experience to bring back their communities, inspiring future students.
Rotating Tribal Flags Initiative
To deepen the ongoing collaboration between departments and offices at the University of Arizona, the 22 Arizona Federally Recognized Tribes will begin their rotation through various spaces around campus. Each flag installation will include an educational component that further progresses the awareness of indigenous presence and history among students, faculty, staff, and the community.
Current location: James E. Rogers College of Law, Daniel F. Cracchiolo Law Library
Next location: Centennial Hall
Interested in hosting the 22 AZ Federally Recognized Tribes?
Contact NAATE at tribalengagement@arizona.edu