Mission Statement

The Office of Indigenous Engagement (OIE) at UW Tacoma is dedicated to furthering meaningful relationships with Tribal communities, empowering Native and Indigenous students, faculty, and staff, and advancing scholarship rooted in both traditional and Western knowledge systems. Our mission and vision focuses on honoring the land, culture, and sovereignty of Native peoples while creating pathways for student success, leadership, and research.

 

 

 

Our campus exists on land of the Puyallup people and we are honored to have developed a strong partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians as the official tribal sponsor of UW Tacoma.

Building Community for Native and Indigenous Students at UW Tacoma

As a public university close to many of the region's tribal nations, UW Tacoma is building dedicated support for Native and Indigenous students using a new advising and mentorship model through the Office of Indigenous Engagement and community programming led by Indigenous student RSO, Cedar Circle.

Programs like Native UW Tacoma Scholars pair incoming students with peer mentors, while traditions such as cedar weaving workshops bring Coast Salish and Puyallup knowledge onto campus each quarter. Faculty, staff, and students share a commitment to creating visibility and belonging in higher education. With small classes, accessible faculty, and a diverse student body, UW Tacoma lets Native and Indigenous students pursue their education while staying rooted in community.

Interested in helping build something meaningful? Join us at UW Tacoma.

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Family Room

Family room fosters a supportive haven for Native American culture and learning at UWT and also fosters cultural connection and resources

Cedar Circle

Cedar Circle was founded with the intent to prioritize the prescience and education of Indigenous/Native American culture in the UW Tacoma campus.

Culture and Crafting

Family room fosters the cultural connection and empowerment of Native American students, faculty, and community members.