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Research BlogDecember 19, 2024Native Nations Center
Proposed improvements to federal tribal consultations include standardizing processes, enhancing website access, and funding tribal experts.
December 15, 2024Tribal Business News
November 15, 2024OU News
Tahdooahnippah examined the trust relationships embedded in treaties between Tribal Nations and the U.S. government. His presentation included the historic and ongoing significance of treaty rights as more than legal contracts — they represent sacred agreements founded on trust and mutual respect, grounded in the sacrifices made by Native ancestors.
“For Indigenous peoples, treaties represent not just rights, but also responsibilities passed down from generations who fought, suffered and even gave their lives to secure them,” Tahdooahnippah said. “These are not just legal documents; they are human rights and fundamental rights that define the trust relationship between tribes and the federal government.”
Read the full article here.
December 15, 2024Tribal Business News
The Native Nations Center proudly celebrates Native American Heritage Month this November—a time to honor the history, traditions, contributions, and enduring cultures of Native and Indigenous Peoples, past and present. We also invite you to join us for upcoming events in our Ethical Tribal Engagement Series, focused on fostering respectful and meaningful engagement with Tribal Nations during this important month of recognition. Spaces are filling quickly for in-person attendance for our upcoming Keynote and Poster Showcase happening on November 7, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 3:00pm at the OU Norman campus. Learn more about the ETE Series here.
FALL 2024
Grace Harris is a member of the Cherokee Nation and senior undergrad double majoring in Political Science and Native American Studies. Her aspirations include going to law school after graduation and focusing on Native law, in hopes of working for either a tribe or the federal government in tribal advocacy. Her time at the Native Nations Center was spent updating a spreadsheet on federal and tribal government relationships, specifically on the consultation process. This spreadsheet includes federal agency liaisons to tribes as well as any important contact information needed in the consultation process. She was also held responsible for completing a research memo on this process, as well as any recommendations for future administrations in attempts to improve the federal and tribal government relationship. Other tasks such as cleaning and setting up for events in the event center, as well as attending important affairs were completed.
Research Blog
I [Scout Huggins] am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. I am a senior who transferred to the University of Oklahoma in the Fall of 2022 after completing my associate degree in Kansas at Coffeyville Community College where I played baseball. I am a Native American Studies major with a Political Science minor. I am also a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. I plan to attend law school after I graduate, specializing in tribal law. As a NAS Mellon Impact Undergraduate Fellow and an intern at the Native Nations Center, I am a beginning researcher who takes pride in helping my people however I can.
February 19, 2025
12:00 - 1:15 pm CT
Streaming Online via Zoom
Native Nations Event Center (Copeland Hall 233 - OU Norman Campus)
*Registration information will be available at a later date.
March 5, 2025
12:00 - 1:15 pm CT
Streaming Online via Zoom
Deco Room (Adminstration Building - OU Tulsa Campus)
*Registration information will be available at a later date.
TBD (June 16-27, 2025)
11:45 am - 1:15 pm CT
Streaming Online via Zoom
TBD (OU Health Sciences Center - Oklahoma City)
*Registration information will be available at a later date.
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations.
Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its Indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgement is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Copeland Hall Room 225
860 Van Vleet Oval
Norman, OK 73019
nnc@ou.edu | (405) 325-4553
