History:
In December of 1994, the Arizona Board of Regents established the Institute for Native Americans at Northern Arizona University.  The Institute's director is Laurence Gishey who was appointed by university president Clara M. Lovett in March 1999.

The Regents also established a twelve-member Advisory Council that meets twice a year to advise the Institute director and the university president on the needs of Native American constituents.  The university president appoints the members of the Council.  The current members are Ron S. Lee, Legislative & Government Relations - Native Policy Group, LLC; Dr. Clinton Pattea, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation; Jack C. Jackson, Director - Dine Education Philosophy, Diné College; Sylvia Laughter, CEO - Laughter & Associates; Hopi Tribe Vice-Chairman Todd Honyaoma, Sr.; Penny Emerson, President - Native Resource Development, Inc.; Navajo Nation President Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr.: White Mountain Apache Tribal Chairman Ronnie Lupe; Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairman Jamie L. Fullmer; Kathy Kitcheyan, San Carlos Apache Tribe; and Waylon Honga, Chief Operating Officer - Grand Canyon Resort Corporation..

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Institute is to enhance the visibility and standing of on-going programs, both academic and service oriented that relate to Native American tribe, their culture, issues and future prospects.  Secondly, it serves as a catalyst and coordinating body for new initiatives that relate to Native American tribes.