Center for Native American & Indigenous Futures - CNAIF
"Home Away From Home"
Students in search of support, culture, and community can easily find it at the 12,000-square-foot Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures (CNAIF), located in the heart of the Flagstaff campus. Built in 2011, the CNAIF “home away from home” is a campus hub where students can access services, attend cultural events, study, and socialize.
The only facility of its kind in the entire Southwest, the CNAIF provides resources that help students navigate the university and support their academic success.
It is a warm gathering place for students, scholars, Tribal collaborators, the university community, and the public. On average, the CNAIF serves more than 10,000 students per year, welcomes 70,000 visitors, and hosts 465 events per year in various capacities, such as tours, educational presentations, concerts, cultural events, and student services.
In addition to the Office of Native American and Indigenous Advancement (ONAIA), the CNAIF houses the Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS), which provides culturally competent, individualized support for American Indian and Indigenous, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students through services such as:
- Indigenous Connections to Success
- Field Day
- Indigenous Peer Mentorship
Your support directly impacts future leaders and researchers by contributing to:
Center for Native American & Indigenous Futures
Elder/Cultural Advisor Program
Navigating the future with generational wisdom
CNAIF also houses the Elders/Cultural Advisor Program to provide students with cultural support and model the relationships students often miss while away from their home communities. Elders offer students intergenerational learning through cultural activities, hands-on workshops, visits, and lectures.
Programs inspire an understanding of Indigenous knowledges and philosophies directed at providing a holistic approach to student, faculty, and staff support.
Yuhaaviatam Native American Student Development Endowment
The San Manuel Tribe of Mission Indians of Highland, California, has graciously provided funding through the ONAI Yuhaaviatam Native American Student Development Fund. This fund offers emergency funds to assist NAU Native American students with unexpected emergency educational expenses. The grant is only awarded on a contingency basis. Student must be enrolled in classes, be in good academic and financial aid SAP standing, and enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
The Office of Native American and Indigenous Advancement (ONAIA) is offering the Margaret Kimpton Scholarship for Native American Students. The scholarship is awarded on an annual basis to students enrolled as a full time NAU student, are in good academic and financial aid SAP standing, have a cumulative 2.70 minimum GPA, and are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Female Navajo and Hopi students will be given preference. The funds may be applied to students cost of attendance not already covered by other aid.
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.
