UND working on tribal consultation policy

The quiet dedication to ethical research and respectful collaboration is a cornerstone of any thriving university, and at the University of North Dakota, that commitment is taking a tangible form. At a recent University Council meeting, the discussion centered on a developing tribal consultation policy, a deliberate effort to ensure meaningful engagement with North Dakota’s Native American communities—a process that speaks to the heart of UND’s responsibility as a public institution. This isn't just about checking a box; it's about building relationships founded on mutual respect and shared purpose, vital for the health and well-being of our entire region.

Understanding the Need for a Tribal Consultation Policy

A History of Complex Relationships

The impetus for a formal tribal consultation policy at UND stems from a long and often complicated history between higher education institutions and Native American communities. Historically, research conducted *on* Native populations, often without their consent or meaningful involvement, has led to exploitation, cultural appropriation, and a deep mistrust of academic institutions. This legacy of harm underscores the urgent need for a shift in approach—one that prioritizes collaboration, respect, and reciprocity.

Why is this Important for North Dakota?

North Dakota’s Native American communities – comprising the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation), the Spirit Lake Nation (Devils Lake Sioux), the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate – represent a significant portion of the state’s population and possess invaluable traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Meaningful engagement with these communities is not only ethically imperative but also crucial for fostering economic development, improving public health outcomes, and promoting cultural understanding across the state. The MHA Nation, for instance, holds significant historical and cultural importance within the region, their ancestral lands encompassing a vast area of North Dakota and surrounding states. Recognizing their sovereignty and incorporating their perspectives is paramount.

The Current Landscape: A Lack of Formalization

While UND has engaged with tribal communities on various projects, the absence of a formalized policy created inconsistencies and potential for unintentional harm. Without clear guidelines and protocols, research projects could proceed without adequate consideration of tribal protocols, cultural sensitivities, or the potential impact on community well-being. This lack of standardization also made it difficult to ensure equitable benefit-sharing and capacity building within tribal communities.

The Policy Development Process: A Collaborative Effort

The Spark: President Armacost’s Commitment

The process began with a clear commitment from UND President Andrew Armacost, who recognized the need for a more structured and respectful approach to research collaborations. His initial letter signaled a top-down prioritization of tribal consultation, demonstrating the university's willingness to invest in a long-term, sustainable solution. This initial signal was vital in setting the tone for the subsequent collaborative efforts.

The Writing Committee: A Bridge Between Cultures

A crucial step was the formation of a writing committee comprised of representatives from each of North Dakota’s five tribal nations. This ensured that tribal voices were at the center of the policy development process, preventing a situation where the policy was imposed *on* communities rather than developed *with* them. The appointment of one or two representatives from each tribe—a significant undertaking given the logistical challenges and diverse perspectives involved—demonstrated a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Cynthia Lindquist, the former director of tribal initiatives and collaboration, played a pivotal role as the committee's lead, leveraging her expertise and experience to facilitate dialogue and build consensus.

The Draft and Feedback: Refining the Approach

The draft policy, completed in August, underwent rigorous review and feedback from tribal representatives. This iterative process allowed for adjustments and refinements based on community input, ensuring that the final policy accurately reflected tribal priorities and values. The presentation to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Tribal Council was a particularly significant milestone, providing valuable insights and feedback from a key stakeholder group. The council’s “tremendous amount of enthusiasm” highlights the importance of genuine collaboration and the positive impact of incorporating tribal perspectives.

Key Elements of the Proposed Policy

Coordination with Tribal Councils

The policy explicitly emphasizes the importance of coordination with tribal councils, recognizing their authority and sovereignty. This means that any research project involving tribal communities must receive the approval and support of the relevant tribal council. The policy is not intended to bypass or undermine tribal governance structures but rather to work in partnership with them.

Equitable and Ethical Engagement

The core principle of the policy is to ensure equitable and ethical engagement with tribal communities. This includes respecting tribal sovereignty, protecting cultural knowledge, and ensuring that research benefits are shared fairly. It also means addressing historical injustices and working to build trust and reconciliation.

Enhancing Collaboration

The policy aims not only to protect tribal rights but also to enhance collaboration between UND and tribal communities. By establishing clear guidelines and protocols, the policy is expected to foster a more supportive environment for research partnerships that benefit both UND and the tribes.

Timeline and Next Steps: Looking Ahead to 2027

A Phased Implementation

Dave Wilson, associate vice president for health research, professor, and chair of the Indigenous Health Department, has indicated that the policy is expected to go live in 2027. This timeline allows for a phased implementation, ensuring that all stakeholders have adequate time to prepare and adapt to the new guidelines. The 2027 target also aligns with UND’s strategic planning cycle, allowing for integration of the policy into broader university initiatives.

Endorsement from All Five Tribes

A key priority for Wilson is to engage with the remaining tribal communities and secure their endorsement of the policy. This requires ongoing communication, consultation, and a willingness to address any concerns or questions that may arise. Achieving unanimous support will be a testament to the collaborative nature of the policy development process.

Providing Comfort and Guidance to Researchers

The policy is also designed to provide comfort and guidance to UND’s research investigators who are committed to working with tribal communities in a responsible and ethical manner. By establishing clear protocols and guidelines, the policy reduces the risk of unintentional harm and promotes best practices for research collaboration.

Other University Council Updates: A Broader Perspective

President Armacost’s Fall Semester Highlights

The University Council meeting provided a broader overview of UND’s activities and priorities. President Armacost highlighted successes and partnerships from the fall semester, demonstrating the university’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. He also addressed the upcoming legislative session, emphasizing the importance of securing strong state support for higher education.

Creative Infrastructure at UND

Sarah Heitkamp, curator of UND Art Collections, showcased the vital role of the university’s art collections in education, research, and community enrichment. The impressive number of digital downloads—328,470 from 205 countries—underscores the global reach and impact of UND’s artistic resources. Her presentation also highlighted the three pillars of sustainability for the art collections: funding, policy, and accessibility.

AI on Campus: Navigating the Future

Anna Kinney, AI Instructional Manager, provided updates on the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Drawing on MIT’s recently published AI principles—which prioritize humanity and extend beyond the classroom—Kinney encouraged attendees to share UND’s experiences with AI, be transparent about what works and doesn’t work, and invest in faculty and staff expertise.

Updates from Senate and Faculty Councils

Leaders from the University Senate, Staff Senate, student government, and SBHE Council of College Faculties provided updates on their respective work, covering a range of topics from legislative priorities to establishing policies for AI and celebrating staff achievements. The success of new student vouchers, such as the Uber voucher, and discussions surrounding the next NDUS strategic plan further highlighted the collaborative spirit and forward-looking vision of the university community.

The development of this tribal consultation policy represents a significant step forward for UND, demonstrating a commitment to ethical research practices and respectful collaboration with Native American communities. As the policy moves towards implementation in 2027, it promises to foster stronger relationships, promote cultural understanding, and advance the university’s mission of serving the state and the region.