Native American Affairs

The Native American Affairs team partners with tribal nations and supports Native student success across campus.

Led by Associate Vice Chancellor Benny Shendo, Jr., the office works to bridge cultural barriers and honor the campus's land acknowledgment through education, collaboration and community. 

CU Boulder is committed to honoring and uplifting Indigenous communities through education, community partnerships and student support. Our long-term vision is to be the premier institution in the nation for preparing Native graduates to lead in climate action, sustainability, environmental sciences and business leadership—integrating ancestral knowledge with contemporary innovation.

 

Center for Native American and Indigenous StudiesCenter for Cultural Connections and Community

 

 

Native American Affairs Objectives:
  • Pre-Collegiate and Bridge Programs for Native Youth
  • Expanding Financial Support for Native Students
  • Operationalizing the Land Acknowledgment
  • Pipelines for Native Leaders in Climate Action & Environmental Sciences
  • Propelling the Next Generation of Native Business Leaders

Stories

Benny Shendo, Jr.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Native American Affairs
Outreach and Community Engagement
benny.shendojr@colorado.edu

Benny Shendo, Jr. serves as associate vice chancellor for Native American Affairs, where he liaises between the campus and tribal communities across Colorado and the wider region to collaboratively address related issues. He is a member of the Jemez Pueblo and most recently served as a New Mexico State Senator, chairing the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee.Prior to joining CU Boulder, Shendo was elected Chairman of the Board of First Nations Development Institute in 2016 and was the vice pr...

John Wetenkamp

Native American Affairs Program Manager
Outreach and Community Engagement
john.wetenkamp@colorado.edu

John Wetenkamp serves as Program Manager for Native American Affairs, supporting the growth and sustainability of programs and partnerships between the university and tribal communities.John has dedicated his career to education-based and community-driven nonprofit organizations. His experience includes serving as an Educational Counselor with Denver Public Schools, Program Manager of Volunteer Engagement at the CU Boulder Alumni Association, Executive Director of the LoDo District, and Academic Director at...