Introduction of the Office of Tribal Relations at SSU
Sonoma State University acknowledges the Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo, as the traditional stewards of the land. Let it be acknowledged that Sonoma State University is located within the traditional homelands of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Sonoma State offers deep gratitude to the original stewards of this land and recognizes its immense historical, spiritual, and personal significance to the Native nations and peoples of this region.
The Office of Tribal Relations at Sonoma State University. There has been a need for our university to strengthen the ties with our neighboring Tribal nations. We plan on reinforcing existing relationships and creating new ones.
The Office of Tribal Relations will lead Sonoma State University’s efforts to build, repair, and foster relationships with sovereign Tribal Nations and serve as an ambassador between the campus and Tribal Nations.
The Director of Tribal Relations strives to:
- Hold Sonoma State accountable to the needs, interests and priorities of Tribal Nations;
- Understand and communicate Tribal concerns and interests to campus; and
- Develop structure and processes to ensure Tribal Nations have input on campus priorities, initiatives and efforts that impact Native people.
This new Office of Tribal Relations prioritizes relationship building and listening, and long-term goals and priorities for the office will be created in dialogue with Tribal Nations. The role of the Office of Tribal Relations is to support the following areas on campus:
- NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA repatriation processes
- The Center for Environmental Inquiry (CEI)
- Native American Studies minor
- The Native American Initiatives (The HUB Cultural Center)
As we work towards needed institutional transformation, it is imperative that Tribal perspectives be woven into the fabric of the university. In recognition of the inherent sovereignty and right of self-determination of Native Nations, the Office of Tribal Relations was created in the Office of the Provost, to ensure campus support and priority. This important position was created through the advocacy, persistence and recommendations of Tribal leaders, Native American members of the university community, and allies.