University of Minnesota reports continued progress supporting Native American students and strengthening Tribal partnerships

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents today received an update on the University’s continued efforts to strengthen relationships with Tribal Nations, support Native American students and honor Tribal sovereignty — work guided by the Towards Recognition and University‑Tribal Healing (TRUTH) Project and embedded in the Elevate Extraordinary 2030 University Strategic Plan.

Karen Diver, senior advisor to the President for Native American Affairs, presented the annual Native American Affairs update, highlighting progress across student success, academic pathways, consultation practices and cultural stewardship.

“Strong relationships with Tribal Nations are built through listening, consistency and shared action,” Diver said. “Guided by the TRUTH Project and ongoing dialogue with Tribal leaders, this update reflects meaningful progress and the University’s continued responsibility to work in true partnership across our communities — strengthening student success, supporting Indigenous research and honoring Tribal sovereignty for the shared benefit of Tribal Nations and the state of Minnesota.”

Diver’s report highlighted the following areas where the University has made significant progress in the last year: 

• Expanding Native American student access and support: The University continues to see strong Native American enrollment across its campuses, alongside growing levels of financial and programmatic support for Native American students.
• Advancing academic pathways and American Indian Studies: The new American Indian Studies Ph.D. program on the Twin Cities campus is gaining early traction, strengthening academic pathways and advancing the University’s national leadership in Native American and American Indian studies.  
• Deepening partnership and consultation with Tribal Nations: President Rebecca Cunningham and University leadership continue to regularly engage with Tribal leaders and advisory bodies, supported by a University-wide network of Tribal liaisons coordinating consultation, research and training.
• Honoring cultural heritage and strengthening institutional understanding: The University continues active consultation and repatriation work under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), while strengthening internal education and responsible research practices focused on Indigenous communities.

On Thursday, the Board’s Mission Fulfillment Committee also heard from those across the University who are helping grow its Native American and American Indian academic programs.

“The richness and history of the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Studies program reflects a profound commitment to Tribal sovereignty, academic excellence and community‑engaged scholarship,” said Elizabeth Sumida Huaman, professor and chair of American Indian Studies on the Twin Cities campus. “Our world‑class faculty bring together teaching, research and service in ways that strengthen Native student pathways, support language and cultural revitalization, and ensure our work benefits Tribal Nations across Minnesota and beyond.”

The University’s American Indian Studies program is the oldest of its kind in the nation and is internationally recognized for its strengths in research, teaching and community partnership. Across campuses, these programs serve hundreds of students each year through interdisciplinary coursework, comprehensive support programs and holistic resources that enable student success, and widely used community resources such as the Ojibwe People’s Dictionary, reinforcing the University’s leadership in Native American and Indigenous education.

The Board also:

• Reviewed the University’s new enrollment plan with Executive Vice President and Provost Gretchen Ritter, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Ryan Schmiesing, Vice President for Communications Chris Gade, and Chancellors Carrell, Holz-Clause and Nies.
• Received the annual workforce and human resources strategy report from Vice President for Human Resources Ken Horstman.
• Discussed plans to support the growth of Minnesota’s nursing workforce with School of Nursing Dean Connie White Delaney.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments.

The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet next June 11-12, 2026. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.