NALC

The Native American Leadership Council (NALC), in partnership with the Director of Native American Student Services and University of Arkansas stakeholders, is dedicated to providing strategic guidance, support, and advocacy for Indigenous students at the University of Arkansas. Our mission is to cultivate a culturally responsive and inclusive environment, address the distinct needs of Indigenous students, and promote their academic and personal success. 

Goals and Objectives

• Cultural Empowerment: Cultivate a sense of pride, identity, and belonging among Indigenous students. 
• Academic Success: Promote initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic achievement, retention, and graduation rates of Indigenous students. 
• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and leaders to bolster support networks for students. 
• Advocacy and Policy Development: Champion policies and programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by Native American students. 
• Professional Development: Create opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and skill-building for Indigenous students. 
• Cultural Awareness and Education: Organize events, workshops, and educational initiatives to enhance cultural understanding and appreciation across the campus community. 

Mission Statement 

The Native American Leadership Council strives to enhance Indigenous representation and visibility on campus by establishing a framework through which Indigenous voices inform decision-making related to student support, recruitment, land acknowledgments, and other long-term initiatives. 

• Empowering Voices: Creating a platform for Indigenous students to express their perspectives and experiences. 

• Cultural Advocacy: Supporting policies and initiatives that foster cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

• Collaborative Support: Partnering with various stakeholders to improve resources and services for Indigenous students. 

• Cultural Celebration: Honoring and preserving Indigenous heritage, traditions, and contributions within the university and broader community. 

Structure and Membership

• Members: The council will comprise Tribal representatives appointed by tribal leadership, ensuring direct representation of Indigenous perspectives. 

• Advisors: The council may seek guidance from institutional leaders, elders, and representatives from Indigenous communities and organizations to inform its initiatives. 

Meetings and Communication 

• Frequency: The council will convene quarterly via Zoom or Teams, with monthly web-based newsletter updates from NASSD to facilitate discussion throughout the academic year, and one strategic planning meeting in October. 

• Agenda: Meetings will adhere to a structured agenda, focusing on relevant issues, updates, and action items unless otherwise noted. 

• Communication: Beyond meetings, the council will utilize email and online platforms to maintain collaboration and share information effectively. 

Initiatives and Activities

The NALC will focus on overarching leadership initiatives that enhance collaboration between the university and tribal nations. Their activities will include: 

• Strategic Advising: Providing guidance on policies and practices that support Native American students and communities. 

• Data Sharing and Analysis: Collecting and disseminating information to inform decisions and initiatives that impact Indigenous students. 

• Partnership Development: Fostering relationships between the university and tribal nations to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. 

• Advocacy: Promoting the integration of Indigenous perspectives at all levels of the university’s mission and curriculum. 

• Resource Allocation: Identifying and advocating for resources needed to support Native American students and initiatives effectively. 

These partnerships are about unity and collaboration to address the diverse and often complex needs of Native American communities.