ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Us
Center for Native American and Indigenous StudiesÌýprovides Native students and faculty an intellectual and social home at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ. We promoteÌýcollaborative research focusing on both local and global Indigenous knowledge and foster wide ranging NAIS projects that aim to open conversations both in Colorado and the world.
The United Nations General Assembly’s points to the interconnections among indigenous peoples and groups around the world. The understanding and support of developing global indigeneity is our focus.
HighlightsÌýthat illustrate our work and uniqueness:
- Global Research & Connections:ÌýCNAIS faculty and affiliated programs have projects and connections extending from Sápmi (Sami territories) to Tahiti; we have a presence at the U.N., with a member of our Executive Board acting as legal counsel for the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and another faculty on the UN Expert Mechanism for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Ìý - Indigenous Legal Scholars:ÌýCU Law is home toÌý.We interface with legal scholars on a daily basis and have unparalleled access to legal studies resources through our collaborations with theÌý, situated within sight of our office.Ìý
Ìý - Outreach and Engagement:ÌýThrough research, publications and networks via Tallgrass Institute, CNAIS has supported economic expertise to Indigenous communities around the world. Publications include Indigenizing Catalytic Capital, Supply Chains & Sovereignty: Native-Led Food Systems Solutions, and Social Cost and Material Loss: The Dakota Access Pipeline. Tallgrass Institute was housed at CNAIS through August 2025 and operated as First Peoples Worldwide at ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ from 2018 to 2024.
Our Research
Affiliated Programs
ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Land Acknowledgment
The ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.
We will do this by:
- Recognizing and amplifying the voices of Indigenous ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students, staff and faculty and their work.Ìý
- Educating, conducting research, supporting student success and integrating Indigenous knowledge.
- Consulting, engaging and working collaboratively with tribal nations to enhance our ability to provide access and culturally sensitive support and to recruit, retain and graduate Native American students in a climate that is inclusive and respectful.
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