In the state of Kansas, four tribal nations operate reservations. Learn about tribal sovereignty and how tribal agencies interact with State and local governments from experts in the field.
This year marks 100 years of United States citizenship for Native Americans. Members of federally recognized tribes hold the unique distinction of being both U.S. citizens and tribal citizens. Tribal members possess political authority over their collective lands, which supersedes state and local authority. In the state of Kansas, four tribal nations operate reservations. Join a conversation between Dr. Alex Redcorn, Director of the KU Indigenous Studies Program, and Dr. Sara Mata, Executive Director of Hispanic Serving Initiatives at Wichita State University, to learn about tribal sovereignty and the laws affecting Native American citizens.
Alex Red Corn, Ed.D. is a citizen of the Osage Nation and a member of the Gentle Sky/Peacekeeper clan, with family roots in the Pawhuska, Oklahoma area. As the Director and Associate Professor of the Indigenous Studies Program at the University of Kansas, he also holds the position of Associate Vice Chancellor for Tribal Relations. Dr. Red Corn has a strong background in educational leadership and advocates for American Indian educational systems. He serves as the Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education (KANAE) and chairs the newly established Kansas Advisory Council for Indigenous Education (KACIE). Previously, at Kansas State University, he developed an Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate and fostered partnerships that enabled Osage leaders to earn master's degrees in educational leadership. His scholarship focuses on empowering Native Nations in education, and he collaborates with school and Tribal leaders nationwide on advancing Indigenous education. Additionally, Dr. Red Corn teaches qualitative research methods, emphasizing Indigenous research approaches.
Dr. Sara Mata Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Hispanic Serving Initiatives and an Assistant Teaching Professor in Intervention Services and Leadership in Education (ISLE) at Wichita State University. A proud first-generation college graduate, she holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor's in Sociology, two Master's degrees in Community Counseling and Sociology, and a Doctorate in Social Foundations from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Mata actively contributes to national organizations, serving on the Executive Committee for the NASPA Foundation Board and the NASPA Center for Women Board. She was a fellow in the 2022-2023 HACU La Academia de Liderazgo and recognized as a NASPA Pillar of the Profession. In her local community, she plays a vital role as the Vice President of the Board for CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocates of Sedgwick County and is involved with several organizations, including the Mid America All-Indian Museum and the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation. Recently, she was appointed to the Citizens Review Board for the City of Wichita, further showcasing her commitment to community service and advocacy.
AGE GROUP: | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Community Engagement | Adult |
The Advanced Learning Library is Wichita's main public library, located in the downtown core at the crossroads of the Historic Delano District and the Museums on the River corridor.
