Progress Reported on Native American Outreach and Inclusion Task Force Efforts

EVANSTON, Ill. --- An update showing the status of Northwestern University’s responses to the recommendations of the Native American Outreach and Inclusion Task Force has been completed by the Office of the Provost.

The update provides a brief status report on all of the 57 recommendations that were made by the task force in November. The status report is available at
http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/initiatives/native-american-inclusion.html

“Since the task force completed its work in November, the president’s and provost’s offices have engaged in discussions across the University about both the overarching objectives and the specific recommendations,” Provost Daniel Linzer said.

“Faculty leaders within the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences have started discussions about creating an Indigenous Research Center, drawing together interdisciplinary research on the needs of indigenous populations, both locally and globally,” Linzer added. “The Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Offices, The Graduate School and the Division of Student Affairs have begun to explore expanded outreach and support efforts. In addition, the search for the Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion is underway and includes a planned focus on Native American students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

The task force also addressed recommendations from a study by Northwestern faculty members and others of John Evans, one of Northwestern’s founders, and his relationship to the Sand Creek Massacre, which occurred when Evans was the territorial governor of Colorado. That study also is available at http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/initiatives/native-american-inclusion.html