Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events with Tribal Relations
Tribal Relations hosts events that support connection, respect, and shared learning.
Upcoming Events
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November 6: Lunch and Conversations with Tribal Elders
11:30 am - 1:00 pm, N'Chelohan Tribal Knowledge and Gathering Center (NAC 165)
Join the Office of Tribal Relations and Native Student Services in gathering around traditional foods and community with Yakama Nation and Nez Perce Tribal Elders.
This is a student-focused event. Seating is limited, and RSVP is required!
RSVP For Lunch -
November 10 and 19: Working in Good Relations (Two-Part Series)
Tribal Nations are sovereign governments with their own laws, knowledge systems, and priorities for research and community projects. Working with Tribes and Native American peoples ethically, responsibly, and meaningfully starts with a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding. This two-part series explores the principles behind collaborative work with Tribal Nations and how to put them into practice. Part 1 covers sovereignty, relationship-building, and Indigenous Methodologies, and Part 2 turns those foundations into concrete steps for building sustainable partnerships.
Part 1: Foundations and Principles
Tuesday, November 10 | 3:30–5:00 PM | NAC 165 or Zoom
This first session lays the groundwork for ethical, relational, and meaningful partnerships with Tribal Nations and communities. We’ll look at what tribal sovereignty means for research and project work and at the government-to-government relationship. We’ll discuss how to build relationships with and engage Tribal Nations and community members, and how to prepare for collaborative research or projects that start from community-defined benefits rather than extractive approaches. You’ll also get an overview of the principles and values of Indigenous Methodologies, including relationality, respect, reciprocity, relevance, and responsibility, along with key scholarship in the field. The session is for faculty, staff, and students who are planning or already doing work with Tribal communities, whatever their experience.
Part 2: Principles into Practice
Thursday, November 19 | 3:30–5:00 PM | NAC 165 or Zoom
The second session turns principles into practical steps. We’ll look at how to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships and keep relationships strong throughout the whole project and after it ends. We’ll go over tribal research and project review processes, including how to tell when permissions and consents are needed and from whom. We’ll also cover writing agreements and MOUs, Indigenous data sovereignty, and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, and what they mean for who owns, stores, and shares data. Finally, we’ll discuss fair budgeting, respectful compensation for tribal partners and community members, and shared decisions about publishing and dissemination. Participants will leave with practical tools to guide their own projects. Attending Part 1 is required unless you make alternative arrangements with the presenter.
RSVP by Friday, Nov 6th.
View the Native American Heritage Month Calendar of Events
Don't miss out on opportunities hosted by Tribal Relations and other on-campus partners in celebration of Native American Heritage Month.
Take me to the Events Calendar!
Events will be updated as scheduled.
Event details are subject to change. Please check with the Tribal Relations office for the most current information and updates: tribalrelations@cwu.edu
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Questions? Contact Us.
Zoё Higheagle Strong, PhD, AVP Tribal Relations
Office of the President
509-963-2111 | scott@cwu.edu