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Indigenous Innovation Initiative

Advancing Indigenous expressions

Positioning Arizona State University as a global leader in Indigenous innovation, the Indigenous Innovation Initiative at ASU fosters Indigenous expression and advancements through interdisciplinary collaboration with Indigenous and Indigenous-allied scholars, as well as community and industry leaders. By connecting ASU's expanding Indigenous faculty, the initiative enhances university-wide coordination, communication, research development and event production. It champions sustainable and diverse systems of knowledge and creativity that have been cultivated for millennia, ensuring these invaluable approaches are recognized and integrated into contemporary research and policies.


Indigenous Innovation refers to ingenuity rooted in enduring knowledges, principles and practices that drive transformation and enhance the role of Indigeneity across all fields of study, practice and influence.

Our mission is to drive global transformation and elevate the role of Indigeneity across all fields of study and influence by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, cultivating generative research and creativity, and linking innovators to institutional and community support resources.

Featured projects

Discover our featured projects, which span interdisciplinary research, community partnerships and innovative educational programs, all designed to amplify Indigenous knowledge and creativity.

News and publications

Explore the latest achievements, research findings and impactful stories of Indigenous Innovation locally and worldwide.

Innovative partners or Indigenous innovators

Trevor Reed

Trevor Reed

Faculty Director, Indigenous Innovation Initiative; Professor of Law, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

Melissa Nelson

Melissa Nelson

Professor; Senior Global Futures Scientist

Marisa Duarte

Marisa Duarte

Associate Professor; Senior Global Futures Scientist

Wanda Dalla Costa

Wanda Dalla Costa

Institute Professor

Jim Larney

Jim Larney

Director, American Indian Student Support Services

Alexander Soto

Alexander Soto

Director, Labriola Center

Angela Gonzales

Angela Gonzales

Professor; Director, Center for Indian Education

Adrian Lerma

Adrian Lerma

ASU Foundation

Chris Sharp

Chris Sharp

Director, Office of American Indian Projects

Krystal Tsosie

Krystal Tsosie

Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences

Kathlene Rosier

Kathlene Rosier

Assistant Dean, Community Engagement; Executive Director of Indian Legal Program

Tammy Eagle Bull

Tammy Eagle Bull

Professor; Director, Indigenous Design Collaborative

Indigenous Innovation Initiative acknowledges that the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at ASU sits on the ancestral homelands of the Akimel O’odham (Pima).

Stay connected

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For more information or questions, please email Indigenous@asu.edu.