Native American and Indigenous Student Initiatives

Northern Arizona University is unique in its mission to become the leading university serving Native Americans. The Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI) was established to make this mission a reality. ONAI seeks to make a substantial and enduring contribution to a new era in American Indian self-determination by:

• partnering with Native American communities
• collaborating with tribal colleges and universities
• contributing to a culture of support for Native American students
• building bridges to and from Indigenous-serving institutions across the globe

Looking for a way to make your impact on Native American Initiative efforts? You can make a real difference by donating to one of these funds: 

• Indigenous Student Success – Emergency Fund - This fund supports students with books, supplies, food, transportation, gasoline purchases, clothes, health, or other areas as determined by the Director of Office of Indigenous Student Success

• Native American Cultural Center Fund (NACC) - NACC strives to support students and to educate the larger community on the histories, cultures, and issues facing Native American/Alaskan Native/ Native Hawaiian and Indigenous communities. It is a “home away from home” for many in the NAU Community. This fund also supports students experiencing food insecurity. 

• Indigenous Student Success (ISS) – General Assistance - ISS provides individualized support in a caring and professional environment that respects and values our Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and all people who identify as Indigenous students. In partnership with NACC, program staff assist students with the transition from home to the university community through peer mentoring, connections to campus and off-campus resources, and cultural events and activities. 

• Virgil Masayesva Education Fund – ITEP - Established in honor of the co-founder of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP), this fund supports Native American students pursuing environmental careers and those committed to careers associated with environmental protection of Indian Country.

• NACC Cultural Activities Fund - The Native American Cultural Center is a visible and celebrated facility located in the heart of NAU's Flagstaff campus, which creates a platform for Native American and Indigenous cultures, traditions, perspectives, and contributions. The NACC creates programming and events in four areas: cultural expression events, social outreach events, inclusive educational events, and Indigenous health and wellbeing events. Your donation supports Native American Cultural Center activities, including exhibits, dances and festivals. View upcoming events on the NACC website.  

• Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE)  - INE aims to strengthen schooling across Indian Country. The goal of INE is to be the premier preK-12 professional development institute of choice for Native Nations in the United States. This fund supports long-term professional development for Diné Institute for Navajo Nation Educators, Indigenous Early Childhood Educators, Culturally Responsive Schooling, Indian Country School Counselors Institute, and the Teacher Leadership Shiłgozhóó Institute in the San Carlos Unified School District.