Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Indigenous/Native American/American Indian/Native Alaskan peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. Honoring this holiday is especially important for the University of Utah, as the university exists on the ancestral homeland of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute Tribes.
Dean Elizabeth Kronk Warner, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, led the university in creating an Indigenous Land Acknowledgment. This acknowledgment is read before many university events in an effort to recognize and honor Indigenous peoples.
Research
See below to learn about some of the research efforts from the S.J. Quinney College of Law into issues that impact Native communities.
Dean Kronk Warner, White Earth Nation rights of nature case
Research Associate Professor Heather Tanana, tribal access to clean drinking water
Dean Kronk Warner and Associate Professor Tanana, impact of climate change on indigenous communities
Associate Professor Tanana, COVID-19 relief for the Navajo Nation.
Law student Kari James carves pathways for future tribal justices
Events
Join us on October 22nd for a CLE webinar titled The Legal Realities of Native Americans in Utah and How You Can Help.
Join us on November 17th for the Dean’s Book Review on The Night Watchman in honor of Native American Heritage Month.