Skip to main content
Apply

sovereign nations

Open Main MenuClose Main Menu

Sovereignty

Students

Partnerships

The OSU Center for Sovereign Nations was founded in 2015 under a 3-fold mission of Sovereignty, Students, and Partnerships, with a lead investment by the Chickasaw Nation and later investments by the Choctaw Nation and the Cherokee Nation. The Center collaborates with many tribal nations and serves all native students and their friends.
Josiah Kernell shaking hands and hugging elder while wearing a graduation stole

The Center is a familiar and welcoming space where students can express themselves and their cultural identities, while also learning from others. It is a space that supports students by providing resources for academic success. The Center also hosts events and activities for visitors to learn about tribal sovereignty.

- Josiah Kernell, Seminole
NASA & AISES Treasurer, 2024-2026

Sovereignty

Respecting Tribal Governments

Tribal Sovereignty means that federally recognized tribes have the inherent right and power to govern themselves and to regulate their own internal government. We provide opportunities for others to learn about tribal sovereignty and tribal culture, fostering a greater understanding of tribal sovereignty and culture at OSU. We also explore the history and impact of tribal sovereignty. We promote respect for - and respectful engagement with - tribal governments and their citizens.
Photo taken at 2025 Sovereignty Symposium of Color Guard
Chenoa Turtle in orange shirt against OSU backdrop

The OSU Center for Sovereign Nations has given me a home away from home, and I have met some of my best friends and people I consider family. I am forever grateful to NASA and the CSN for fostering community and a place of belonging on campus. I would not have been able to have a successful college experience without them!

- Chenoa Turtle, Cherokee
NASA President, 2024-2026

Students

A "Home Away From Home"

We serve as a “home base” for Native students and their friends, connecting students to important resources at OSU and back through their tribal nation. We are led by a group of undergraduate students who serve as ambassadors and as project leaders and contributors. We advise the OSU Native American Student Association, providing support, encouragement, and resources to help them be successful and serve students at OSU. We also partner with and promote other Native-affiliated student orgs.
NASA students pose in graduation stoles in front of orange and black balloon arch with "Pistols firing"

CSN Student Leader AmbassadorsHonoring the Cowboy Code - Fulfilling our 3-fold Mission - Led by Students


22+
Tribal Nations

CSN Student Leaders serve as ambassadors between their tribal nations and OSU.
45%
STEM

CSN Student Leaders earn degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
3.0+
GPA

CSN Student Leaders maintain an impressive aggregate grade point average.
97%
Graduate

CSN Student Leaders far-exceed the national graduation rate.

NASA Advisors pose with Miss and Mister American Indian OSU 2025-2026

Advising and Supporting NASA

The OSU Center for Sovereign Nations advises the OSU Native American Student Association. NASA has a strong membership and hosts events throughout the year, including Powwow, Stompdance, Miss and Mister American Indian OSU Pageant, Honoring Ceremony, Stickball Tournament, Taco Sale, and more!

NASA Powwow MAIOSU
Alpha Pi Omega sister shares about the organization at a CSN event

Championing Organizations

We strongly support and promote other Native-affiliated student organizations at Oklahoma State University. We work with these organizations and their home departments, partnering on events, activities, and educational initiatives to support students and promote tribal nation sovereignty.

AISES APiO SACNAS MANRRS
NASA graduation stoles

Promoting Distinction

CSN Student Leaders earn national and institutional distinction at the highest levels, including being named as Udall Scholars (4 National Winners, 5 National Honorable Mentions), Seniors of Significance (5), and Outstanding Seniors (2), among many other honors and achievements.

Udall Scholarship Seniors of Significance Outstanding Seniors
Toby Martin speaks behind a podium at the MAIOSU Pageant

Developing Student Leaders

We are truly student-led with a focus on student success. CSN Student Leaders serve on functional teams to develop leadership, teamwork, professionalism, and skills for the workplace. They also participate in small groups to ensure they are thriving academically, personally, and professionally.

Meet Our Team

 

Photo of Anna Farve, black shirt, against green grass backdrop

The OSU Center for Sovereign Nations has been a source of support through every season of my academic journey, from undergrad to the pandemic and through graduate school. The Center has helped prepare me for life after graduation and has gifted me a community, lasting friendships, and lifelong memories.

- Anna Farve, Chickasaw
CSN Alumni, 2019-2025

Partnerships

Guided by Partner Input

We develop partnerships with tribal governments and other Native-aligned organizations. We maintain a community of OSU partners as a support network for undergraduate students, connecting students to unique and enriching opportunities and resources. We facilitate collaborations/partnerships between Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma tribal nations. We support OSU faculty and tribal governments on grants. 


CSN Partners
MENUCLOSE