High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI)

The High Plains American Indian Research Institute (HPAIRI) is an invaluable resource for American Indian tribes and scholars. It is accessible for use in both Indigenous-driven research and research initiated by University of Wyoming students and scholars that involves Native American people and their lands and resources.

In facilitating research partnerships between Tribal Nations in the High Plains region and the world-class researchers at UW, the institute’s work is divided into five areas.

• Strengthen and facilitate relationships between UW and Wyoming-based Tribal Nations.
• Empower tribal citizens through direct participation in nation-building.
• Educate the UW community and the state of Wyoming regarding opportunities to develop positive relationships with Tribal Nations.
• Support efforts for American Indian research and data sovereignty.
• Facilitate collaborations and outreach between tribal entities and UW.

In keeping with the theme areas above, our fundraising goals include five priorities that enable us to implement institutional goals in a meaningful and measurable manner:

• student scholarships and fellowship,
• maintaining a reservation-based HPAIRI office,
• maintaining a reservation-based research inventory,
• fostering a robust internship program, and
• the ability to fund and carry out research projects among High Plains region tribes and the University of Wyoming.

The University of Wyoming and the Northern Arapaho and the Eastern Shoshone Tribes are unified in a commitment to demonstrate understanding and respect for Indigenous peoples’ cultures, language, traditions, laws, and diverse expressions of sovereignty.

High Plains American Indian Research Institute staff members look forward to the opportunity to speak with you and listen to your interests and ideas—please contact us at (307) 766-8957 or HPAIRI@uwyo.edu. If you would like to help HPAIRI achieve these goals with your support, please click the button below.

Thank you for your support!

*Benefits members of federally enrolled tribes.