Applied Indigenous Studies



The mission of Applied Indigenous Studies is to provide students with the knowledge and tools to contribute to the sustainability of indigenous communities in the 21st century. Using a curriculum to community approach, students in AIS are prepared to move from learning to action, applying Native ways of knowing for the benefit of indigenous communities within the US and abroad.

Because indigenous nations and communities are located all over the world, AIS graduates can work anywhere. Our students have traveled to South America, Siberia, Mexico, and everywhere in between to pursue careers in:

  • policy
  • administration
  • environmental science and management
  • planning and economic development
  • cultural resource management
  • tribal/indigenous history
  • engineering
  • health sciences
  • indigenous sustainable building
  • tribal government
  • sustainable energy
  • cultural centers

Our program is globally oriented, traditionally grounded, and 21st century-focused. In line with Native American tradition, we are committed to training indigenous professionals for today, tomorrow, and the next seven generations to come.

This Giving Day, we invite you to elevate what’s possible for our students by supporting key funds that make a lasting difference:


AIS Director's Fund

AIS Directors Fund support will assist the program in having an impact on the current students, faculty, and program enhancement.


AIS Ottens Support Fund

AIS Ottens Support fund will make an impact on students by offering experiential learning as interns from elders and through lectures.


Your generosity fuels innovation, access, and excellence at NAU. Every gift—no matter the size—helps create life-changing experiences for our students. Thank you for believing in the power of Lumberjack giving.

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Empower the Future: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Challenge
$100,000
Empower the Future: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Challenge
Maximize your impact on the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and unlock an additional $100,000 in funding for the college. Once 100 gifts are made to any College of Social and Behavioral Sciences funds, we will release a generous $100,000 gift from NAU alumni Mitch and Carrie Ettinger to the Gerald Ladhoff Scholarship and the SBS Future Readiness Fund. Every gift counts—join us in making a difference! #WeAreLumberjacks
18 / 100 Gifts
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True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
$11,750
True Blue: NAU Alumni Association Board
Help us start off the day with our first milestone and show the Lumberjack community we are True Blue! When we reach 125 alumni gifts of $125 or more on #NAUGivingDay the following NAU Alumni Association Board members will release a collective $11,750 in gifts. Thank you to: Blaise Caudill ’13; Dave Cook; Trina George, ’09; Alex Gutierrez, '85 '90; Jana Harper, ’90; Veronica Hipolito, '97, '02; Jim Jayne, ’91; "Kari" Kent, '91; Rick Koch, ’72; Mary O'Driscoll, ’82; Nancy Serenbetz, '75; Maggie Thom, ’12; , Wayne Watson, ’84; and (3) anonymous members. Go Jacks!
7 / 125 Gifts
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Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
$25,000
Lumberjack Pride: NAU Foundation Board Challenge
Join the NAU Foundation board and show your pride with a gift to support this challenge on #NAUGivingDay. The following NAU Foundation Board members have committed to a collective impact totaling $25,000, which will be released when 125 first time donors make a gift. Thank you to: Lisa Bagwell; Eric Baker; Teresa Bartels; Bob Bement; Bob Braudy; Robin Braun; Booker Evans; Victoria Fimea; Bill Heibel; Mary Huntley; Tim Kinney; Any Peña; Rick Rodriguez; Katrina Rogers; Steve Sanghi; Tony Tewelis; and (1) anonymous member. WE Are Lumberjacks!
96 / 125 Gifts
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