Tribal Education Initiative
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is situated on the traditional homelands of the Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. The Numa, the Newe, the Nuwuvi, Wasi siw, and Pipa Aha Macav have stewarded the lands of the Great Basin for generations. Please visit the Nevada Indian Commission to learn more about the 28 Tribal Nations, Bands, Councils, and the 62,000-plus urban American Indians who call Nevada home.
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and UNLV Tribal Education Initiative
The Tribal Education Initiative at UNLV, funded by a grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, was established to provide Native American students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to excel in management roles within Tribal gaming and hospitality enterprises. Housed within the top-ranked Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV, this unique Initiative taps into the college’s deep well of gaming and hospitality expertise to create unique learning opportunities for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students interested in Tribal gaming and hospitality careers.
Program Highlights
The Tribal Education Initiative is devoted to helping students learn the nuances of Native American business enterprises, such as casinos, hotels, cultural centers, etc., while addressing the specific educational needs of Tribal citizens. Students range from recent high school graduates to working professionals. Offerings include:
- Undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hospitality Management (online and on-campus) from the top-ranked Harrah College of Hospitality
- World-class education that infuses both commercial and Tribal aspects into the curriculum
- Annual summer camps for Native high school students
- Opportunity to participate in Tribal-focused internship and mentorship programs
- Campus-wide support network for Native students
- Annual executive education program for professionals already working in Tribal gaming or hospitality
- Custom training and certificate programs for Tribal enterprises
Tribal Education Initiative Mission
Prepare current and future generations of American Indians to be leaders in the Tribal gaming and hospitality industries.
Goals
- Provide innovative, comprehensive Tribal-focused educational opportunities through the top-ranked UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality
- Build relationships and partnerships with Tribal Nations, enterprises, colleges, and high schools.
- Engage Native students in their home communities while resourcing families
- Cultivate academic, cultural, and transitional support services for Native students at UNLV
- Strengthen alumni commitment to the tradition of reciprocity
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) is committed to helping tribal communities achieve sustainable economic independence through education. With support from SMBMI, UNLV’s Tribal Education Initiative is fulfilling that vision by making hospitality and gaming education more accessible and more relevant to the needs of tribal citizens everywhere. Additional funding from SMBMI goes toward the UNLV Boyd School of Law’s Indian Nations Gaming & Governance program to support J.D. and L.L.M. students, academic and policy research, and conferences and symposia examining current issues in tribal gaming and governance.
Upcoming Events
Announcements
How Can You Get Involved?
If you wish to learn more about the learning opportunities through the UNLV Tribal Education Initiative, please send an inquiry to program director Tammi Tiger (email: tammi.tiger@unlv.edu / phone: 702-895-3334).
Meet the Team
Tammi Tiger
Vince Eade
Support UNLV Tribal Education
The Harrah College of Hospitality invites you to be part of the Tribal Education Initiative by making a philanthropic gift. Your contribution helps support tribal outreach efforts as well as scholarships and professional development opportunities for Native students. Please contact Harrah College of Hospitality director of development Amanda Behnke to find out how you can get involved.