Collaborating With the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research

Collaborating with the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research at the University of Idaho is essential for employees and students involved in projects or research that pertain to Tribal Nations. This office provides guidance and oversight to ensure that Tribal protocols, cultural appropriateness and mutually beneficial outcomes are upheld in all such endeavors. Here’s a breakdown of how the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research facilitates and advises on these engagements:

Key Roles and Support from the Office:

1. Facilitating Engagement and Collaboration: The office connects researchers with Tribal Nations, helping to establish respectful partnerships that benefit the university and Tribal communities.
2. Review for Tribal Protocol and Cultural Appropriateness: The office assesses proposals and research to ensure they align with Tribal protocols, including legal and cultural standards, and that they aim to produce outcomes valued by Tribal stakeholders.
3. Cultural Competency Training: To prepare researchers and students for work within Tribal communities, the office provides training focused on understanding and respecting cultural norms, values and histories.
4. Resource and Referral Assistance: For any necessary Tribal contacts or additional resources, the office offers referrals to streamline project or research progression within Tribal guidelines.

Preliminary Meeting Requirements:

Before moving forward with any research or project involving Tribal Nations, university representatives are expected to meet with the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research. During this meeting, researchers should present an outline of their project, including:

• Research Location: Specify if it involves tribally owned or nearby lands.
• Authorization and Tribal Collaboration: Confirm if an Authorized Tribal Representative is involved and if relevant Tribal laws and protocols are reviewed and aligned with the project goals.
• Tribal Council Approval: If applicable, researchers must seek approval from the Tribal Council or the Tribal Research Department and provide necessary documentation (e.g., Tribal Resolutions).
• Cultural Considerations: Clarify whether the project includes elements of Traditional Knowledge or cultural practices and discuss the cultural relevance with Tribal Representatives.
• Human Participants: Identify if the project involves human participants and address any ethical considerations accordingly.
• Funding and Methodology: Outline the funding sources and methodology, including plans for data collection, review and storage with Tribal partners.
• End Products and Ownership: Define the intended outcomes and ownership rights of the research products and publications.

Additional Support and Processes:

During the preliminary meeting, researchers can ask the office for support regarding any specific needs or questions. The office also aids in coordinating with other university departments, such as:

• Office of Sponsored Programs: For funding and grant management.
• Office of Research Assurances: For compliance with research regulations.
• University General Counsel's Office: For legal oversight.
• University Accounting Office: For financial management of project funds.

Overall, the Office of Tribal Relations, Student Engagement and Research is a crucial partner in ensuring that university projects align with Tribal expectations, legal frameworks and cultural sensitivities, promoting respectful and beneficial collaborations between the University of Idaho and Tribal Nations.