Donate
For more information contact:
Mehrdad Khatibi
Co-Director
Phone: (928) 523-0946
Email: Mehrdad.Khatibi@nau.edu
Nikki Cooley
Co-Director
Phone: (928) 523-7046
Email: Nikki.Cooley@nau.edu
ITEP Environmental Stewardship Endowment
Protecting and managing environmental resources on Tribal lands in the U.S. is fraught with a myriad of challenges ranging from political, economic, jurisdictional, legal, and regulatory, to name a few. Despite such challenges and the lack of adequate resources, Tribes continue to fight to protect and preserve their rich natural and cultural resources for the benefit of their communities and future generations. Tribal communities are intertwined with the places they call home. Their cultural ceremonies, history, and way of life are connected to the surrounding landscape, rivers, streams, and mountains. Therefore, protecting these sacred places and resources that give meaning to tribal life-ways is of utmost importance to the longevity and prosperity of Tribal people and their communities.
Northern Arizona University is unique in its mission to become the leading university serving Native Americans. From places on the NAU campus such as the Native American Cultural Center that native students can call their own, to environmental education and programming offered by ITEP, NAU is a leader in programming that serves Native American students and Tribal communities throughout the US. But as with many public institutions, we rely heavily on grants from federal agencies and other sponsors to execute our mission of service to Tribes. Our long-term goal at ITEP is to diversify our funding and be less reliant on federal grants. Doing so will help to ensure programming and services will not come and go at the whim of political leaders in congress and the federal budget.
Help us reach our goal by contributing to the following ITEP endowments being established at NAU.
ITEP Environmental Stewardship Endowment - $7M Goal
The ITEP Environmental Stewardship Endowment will support programming and services that directly benefit and serve Tribal communities. All ITEP programs will benefit from this endowment, which when fully realized will provide opportunity for ITEP to enhance and expand its training programs and services to Tribes. From climate change resiliency and adaptation planning, to water resources management, and land revitalization and pollution prevention, to providing research and internship opportunities for Native American students in STEM disciplines, this endowment will have a long and lasting positive impact on tribal people and their communities.
ITEP Endowed Chair - $3M Goal
The ITEP Endowed Chair Will help to solidify ITEP’s leadership in perpetuity at NAU. When fully realized, this endowment will provide ITEP with the resources necessary to invest tin the people – students and staff – who are the heartbeat of the organization. Investments will be made in professional development, technology, and tools to further enhance ITEP’s mission of service to Tribes. Donor’s name of choice will become synonymous whit great tribal leaders throughout history who have fought for the rights and protection of Tribal nations.
Donors large and small will be recognized and receive periodic updates about ITEP programs; news and information about environmental issues impacting Tribes; and the unique ways in which Tribes rise to such challenges.
Every gift makes a difference. Your gift represents a firm belief in, and a commitment to the future of Tribal nations and the next seven generations.
Your tax deductible donation supports ITEP’s programming efforts. Please contact us if you would like to contribute to our endowment or for any additional information regarding donations.