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The Office of Tribal Relations is represented by the Executive Director for American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nation Relations/Tribal Liaison to the President. Externally, the office represents the President and Board of Trustees as liaison and representative to American Indian, Alaska Native and First Nation governments. Internally, the office advocates for the support and success of Native American students on campus. The office interfaces directly with the President and the university in communication with senior leadership within sovereign American Indian nations and among state and federal agencies including consultation on grants and memorandums of agreements.

Tribal Relations advises the President on legislative and policy matters of concern to tribes and First Nations, as well as accompanies the president on matters relating to Tribal affairs and the university. The office functions as support for fostering working relationships with the twenty-nine federally recognized tribes across the state of Washington. The office recognizes the partnership opportunities with tribal communities as a way to enhance the support and success of Native students. The office works to enhance and encourage the development of programs, events, seminars and activities designed to educate the campus community and increase capacity to serve American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nation communities.  The office seeks to promote cultural sustainability, cultural awareness, and Indigenous ways of knowing in order to foster inclusive environments on campus.

American Indian/Alaska Native and First Nations Relations Executive Director and Tribal Liaison: Laural Ballew

Warm greetings �鶹������ý�ٷ���� community! I am honored to serve in this inaugural role in the House of Healing for the Tribal Relations Office.  My name is simone-calais staley and I use she & her pronouns. I am a proud mixed-race nimiipuu woman. My family is from Lapwai of the Nez Perce Nation, I am a descendent of the Chief Joseph Wallowa Band of the nimiipuu. Although the Nez Perce are not directly affiliated with Washington State tribal affairs, our ancestral lands incorporate the Palouse and we are peoples of the palúšpam (People of the Palousa). It is my intent to serve the indigenous communities of �鶹������ý�ٷ���� and create a sense of home for all who visit here. I humbly serve in opening this new house, a house of healing for students of Western past and future.

I am an alumna of Western and studied Recreation Management & Leadership program (Lifetime Member of Phase 5). I also studied Environmental Education (Huxley Spring Block) and completed a minor with Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a focus on Queer Indigenous Theories. During my time here from 2008-2012, I was involved in many campus programs including Residence Life and the Ethnic Student Center (ESC). I was active student with the Native American Student Union (NASU) and the development of the Pride Affinity housing program. I have previously worked at University of Washington and the University of Alaska Anchorage. I earned my Master of Education in Student Development Administration from Seattle University, with a decade of service in Student Affairs practice.

As a staff member I approach my work through critical theories and identity development models. My passions include indigenizing education, consensus-based community development, advocacy & civic engagement, and leadership development through autonomy and sovereignty.  I practice being a global citizen and I acknowledge my responsibility as a tenant of earth. I honor the land and peoples each place I have lived and worked. I am grateful to our custodians here and I raise my hands in gratitude to the Nooksack and the Lummi.

Until the House of Healing is open and fully operational, you can visit my temporary office, VU733 in the Multicultural Center, on the 7th floor of the student union building! You might see me walking through campus or  sx̣ʷiʔám̕ (Sehome Arboretum). When the Healing Garden opens outside the HoH, you will find me tending to our foliage friends. This fall you will find me in CEED (Miller Hall 158) for Friday night NASU meetings, can't wait to see you all there!!