Native American Advisory Council

Native American Advisory Council

The NAAC is one of six Community Diversity Advisory Councils developed to advise the University’s senior leadership on strategic issues and serve as ambassadors for the communities they represent. The NAAC was established in 2002 and convened under the leadership of Native American Student Affairs and the American Indian Studies Program. The NAAC is seated by elected officials of sovereign Tribal nations, Tribal college presidents, and advocates and business leaders from the region.

Council Membership

Martin Ahumada

President, San Carlos Apache College

Roxanne Begay-James

Native American Student Services, Tucson Unified School District

Jacob Bernal, Council Co-Chair

Executive Director, Tucson Indian Center

Jeffers Choyguha

Executive Director of Education, Tohono O’odham Nation

Connie Greenberg, Council Co-Chair

Retired Educator (Secondary Education)

Melodie Lopez

Native Education Alliance (NEA) Director

Austin Nunez

Chairman, San Xavier District, Tohono O’odham Nation

Yolanda Pacheco

Dean of Student Services, Tohono O'odham Community College

Serina Preciado

Executive Director of Education, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Jon Rios

President, UA American Indian Alumni Club

Paul Robertson

President, Tohono O’odham Community College

Marilynn Sando

Retired Educator (Community College)

Council’s Resolution

On  July 19th, 2018, The Native American Community Council developed and presented to The University of Arizona President, Dr. Robert C. Robbins, a formal resolution outlining the Council’s Strategic Plan Recommendations. The resolution was accepted and approved by the President.

The Recommendations stipulate the following:

1) Development of a University of Arizona Tribal Consultation Policy Plan of Action (TCPPA), aligned with the ABOR Tribal Consultation Policy and ratified by Arizona Tribal Nations, that will memorialize and guide an administrative commitment to a comprehensive implementation plan embraced by all colleges, departments, units and programs.

2) Development of a Tribal Nations’ Sovereignty Plaza on campus acknowledging the Arizona Tribal Nations; the tenets of tribal sovereignty and contributions of Tribal Nations and citizens to Arizona, education and The University of Arizona, and includes the long overdue recognition that The University of Arizona Tucson campus is located on the ancestral homelands of the Tohono O’odham.

3) Development of a University of Arizona Strategic Plan of Action that, capitalizing upon the unique cultural and tribal assets of Arizona, transforms The University of Arizona into a globally premier destination for Native American students, faculty, and staff; as well as a reliable partner for Tribal Nations’ interests and priorities.