Welcome! This course is an introduction to foundational ethical protocols and cultural considerations when engaging with Tribal Nations. This basic training is offered as non-credit informational content. The content is offered by the University of Oklahoma's Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research, in collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations, and the Center for Faculty Excellence. This course is being developed in response to the popularity of our Ethical Tribal Engagement Series, which has drawn interest from both the university and broader community. This Basic Training course is designed primarily to support OU faculty, researchers, and staff in building respectful and ethical relationships with Tribal Nations. While this Canvas course is currently available only to members of the OU community, it reflects a growing campus-wide commitment to meaningful tribal engagement.

The modules are designed as a starting point that exposes participants to best practices around ethical engagement and tribal protocols. Engagement in the content provided will strengthen participants’ understanding of collaboration, relationship building, and reciprocity when working with Tribal Nations, such as in research, projects, or partnerships. This curriculum aims not just to inform but to foster an empathetic, respectful, and collaborative approach to working with Tribal Nations. It encourages ongoing learning and acknowledges the dynamic nature of these relationships.

CONTENT INFORMATION

Content in this course was developed by the Native Nations Center for Tribal Policy Research and the Office of the Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations. The course builds upon the Ethical Tribal Engagement Series programming, a university initiative that supports respectful and ethical relationships with Tribal Nations. The ETE Series is offered throughout the academic year and features seminars provided by the Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations and panels comprised of experts in ethical tribal engagement. The Center for Faculty Excellence has supported the development and delivery of this Canvas course, helping to make the material more accessible to the OU community.

In the Fall of 2025, the coordination of the ETE Series will transition from the NNC to the Center for Faculty Excellence and Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations. The NNC will continue to contribute through resources like this Canvas course. If you are interested in additional content or campus resources related to ethical engagement or collaborative tribal partnerships, we would be happy to help connect you.

HOW TO USE THIS COURSE
This course is laid out in Modules. Most of your course information, content, links, and assignments can be found in the Modules section.

Go to Modules

WHERE TO BEGIN
Begin by completing the Pre-Assessment Reflection Response. When done looking over the information on this home page, proceed to the Getting Started module.

Begin Training