Native American Advisory Council

Native American Blessing.jpg

Photo Credit: Amanda Cheromiah

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. Unlike the other Community Diversity Advisory Councils, the NAAC is convened by the Assistant Vice Provost for Native American Initiatives and is seated by elected officials of sovereign Tribal nations, Tribal college presidents, and advocates and business leaders from the region.

Roxanne Begay-James

Native American Student Services, Tucson Unified School District

Jacob Bernal

Executive Director, Tucson Indian Center, Council Co-Chair

Jeffers Choyguha

Executive Director of Education, Tohono O’odham Nation

Libby Francisco

Chief Operating Officer, Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise

Connie Greenberg

Retired Educator (Secondary Education), Council Co-Chair

Melodie Lopez

Native Education Alliance (NEA) Director

Jon Rios

President, UA American Indian Alumni Club

Christopher Bonn

Superintendent, Baboquivari Unified School District

Austin Nunez

Chairman, San Xavier District, Tohono O’odham Nation

Serina Preciado

Executive Director of Education, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Paul Robertson

President, Tohono O’odham Community College

Marilynn Sando

Retired Educator (Community College)

Martin Ahumada

President, San Carlos Apache 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.

The University of Arizona NA Community Council Resolution.pdf

The University of Arizona NA Community Council Resolution.pdf
view | download 48.86 KB

American Indian Advisory Council Report to President Shelton September 2006.pdf

American Indian Advisory Council Report to President Shelton September 2006.pdf
view | download 1.96 MB

Native American Advisory Council Strategic Recommendations to President Hart, August 2013.pdf

Native American Advisory Council Strategic Recommendations to President Hart, August 2013.pdf
view | download 367.25 KB

Summary Notes NAAC Meeting of April 27 2021.pdf

Summary Notes NAAC Meeting of April 27 2021.pdf
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Summary Notes NAAC Meeting of June 29 2021.pdf

Summary Notes NAAC Meeting of June 29 2021.pdf
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NAAC next virtual meeting schedule: Tuesday, August 31, 2021, 1:00- 2:30 pm.New