Northwest Indian tribes have an ally in Washington
State University, a supporter of Native American studies since
1970. Last November, 10 tribes and the university set up an
advisory board to cooperate on education and research issues, such
as saving Pacific Northwest salmon, formerly a critical part of
many tribal cultures. The agreement creates “a partnership to
improve life on reservations,” says Aaron Miles, a WSU recruiting
official and Nez Perce tribal member. The board will study how WSU
can help develop reservation schools and nursing programs. The
university, including the main Pullman campus and three branches,
has 20,500 students, including 361 tribal members. The main campus
sits on former Nez Perce land and is near other reservations, such
as the Coeur d’Alene, the Yakama and the Confederated Tribes of the
Umatilla. Tribal chairmen sit on the board and meet with WSU
president Sam Smith twice a year to define common
interests.
For information, write Paul Orozco at
Washington State University, Native American Student Center, P.O.
Box 642314, Pullman, WA 99164-2314, or call
509/335-5847.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Tribes and a university improve ties.
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