Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI)
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Did You Know

ONAI is located inside the Native American Cultural Center (NACC), open from 8a to 8p M-Th and 8a to 5p F. Contact us with your questions at (928) 523-9557 or via email at NAU-NACC@nau.edu.

Need Emergency Funding?

The San Manuel Tribe of Mission Indians of Highland, California has graciously provided funding through the ONAI Yuhaaviatam Native American Student Development Fund. Use this link to fill out the application form.

Apply for the Margaret Kimpton Scholarship!

Must be a full time NAU student, be in good academic & financial aid SAP standing, a cum. 2.70 GPA, and enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Submit a (1) pg letter of interest describing need & how the scholarship will further your academic goals. Female Navajo and Hopi students will be given preference. Use this link to fill out the application form.

Welcome

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

ONAI Programs

The Office of Native American Initiatives has 5 different programs and many partners that strive to support NAUs goal to become the leading university serving Native Americans. Following is a quick introduction to the 5 program areas and a few of our partners.

Native American Cultural Center

Students in the NACC Story Room

The Native American Cultural Center (NACC) is the central hub for Native American & Indigenous activities at NAU, providing resources for Indigenous students, Arizona tribes, local organizations, and students, staff, and faculty throughout the NAU campus. The NACC also has rooms available for booking, check the NACC webpage for more information.

Institute for Native-serving Educators (INE)

Institute for Native-serving Educators NAU workshop

The goal of INE is to be the premier preK-12 professional development institute of choice for Native Nations in the United States. The Institute for Native-serving Educators houses all professional development partnerships and programs for teachers and administrators in early childhood programs through high school.

Tribal Leadership Initiative

Tribal Leadership Initiative
Tribal Leadership Initiative Training

The Tribal Leadership Initiative provides training and support for current and future tribal leaders in Indian Country through graduate curricula, executive education, youth leadership programs, fellowships, and more…

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Conference

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals focuses on the protection and sustainability of Native American land, strengthening tribal capacity and sovereignty in environmental and resource management through culturally relevant education, research, partnerships and policy-based services.

 

Development

ONAI Development is located in the Native American Cultural Center

The Development program of ONAI focuses on locating resources for NAUs Native American and Indigenous community. Current work is focused on an expansion of the Native American Cultural Center to include additional office spaces, classrooms, and activity areas for the community.

 

ONAI Partners

Office of Indigenous Student Success

OISS Summer Bridge Program Luncheon

Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS) provides culturally competent, individualized support, for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students at Northern Arizona University.