Building Foundation/Tribal Relationships Based on Reciprocity
Tracks
Philanthropy
| Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
| 208 |
Overview
208
Details
California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation have developed meaningful and enduring partnerships with California Indian Nations, most notably the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation. Situated on the unceded ancestral territory of the Yuhaaviatam, CSUSB has worked to build relationships with Native nations grounded in reciprocity, respect, and shared responsibility.
This session will explore how universities and their foundations can engage with tribal nations by acknowledging sovereignty, honoring cultural traditions, and understanding Native approaches to philanthropy. Drawing on CSUSB’s experience, Robert Nava will share lessons learned, practical approaches, and guiding principles—including the importance of trust, long-term relationship-building, and reciprocity.
Participants will gain insights into how higher education institutions can:
• Strengthen partnerships with Native nations through inclusive governance and cultural acknowledgment.
• Recognize and respect historical trauma while celebrating resilience and contributions of tribal communities.
• Expand their mission and enrich student, faculty, and community experiences through authentic collaboration with sovereign tribal nations.
These practices underscore that universities and their foundation boards share a collective responsibility to honor Native traditions of reciprocity while advancing education and community well-being for generations to come.
Speaker
Robert Nava
Retired Vice President, University Advancement Executive Director, CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation
CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation
Building Foundation/Tribal Relationships Based on Reciprocity
Abstract
California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation have developed meaningful and enduring partnerships with California Indian Nations, most notably the Yuhaaviatam of the San Manuel Nation. Situated on the unceded ancestral territory of the Yuhaaviatam, CSUSB has worked to build relationships with Native nations grounded in reciprocity, respect, and shared responsibility.
This session will explore how universities and their foundations can engage with tribal nations by acknowledging sovereignty, honoring cultural traditions, and understanding Native approaches to philanthropy. Drawing on CSUSB’s experience, Robert Nava will share lessons learned, practical approaches, and guiding principles—including the importance of trust, long-term relationship-building, and reciprocity.
Participants will gain insights into how higher education institutions can:
• Strengthen partnerships with Native nations through inclusive governance and cultural acknowledgment.
• Recognize and respect historical trauma while celebrating resilience and contributions of tribal communities.
• Expand their mission and enrich student, faculty, and community experiences through authentic collaboration with sovereign tribal nations.
These practices underscore that universities and their foundation boards share a collective responsibility to honor Native traditions of reciprocity while advancing education and community well-being for generations to come.
This session will explore how universities and their foundations can engage with tribal nations by acknowledging sovereignty, honoring cultural traditions, and understanding Native approaches to philanthropy. Drawing on CSUSB’s experience, Robert Nava will share lessons learned, practical approaches, and guiding principles—including the importance of trust, long-term relationship-building, and reciprocity.
Participants will gain insights into how higher education institutions can:
• Strengthen partnerships with Native nations through inclusive governance and cultural acknowledgment.
• Recognize and respect historical trauma while celebrating resilience and contributions of tribal communities.
• Expand their mission and enrich student, faculty, and community experiences through authentic collaboration with sovereign tribal nations.
These practices underscore that universities and their foundation boards share a collective responsibility to honor Native traditions of reciprocity while advancing education and community well-being for generations to come.
Biography
Robert J. Nava is the former Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Philanthropic Foundation at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). At CSUSB, he launched Our Defining Moment, the university’s $200 million campaign—the first blended campaign in the California State University system. As Chief Advancement Officer, Nava led the Office of Philanthropic Giving, Alumni Relations, Governmental and Community Relations, Advancement Services, Special Events, and the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation.
Previously, he served as Vice President of Advancement and President of the San Francisco State University Foundation, leading all phases of the university’s first $150 million comprehensive campaign. He has also held senior advancement roles at the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of California, Riverside.
Currently, Nava is principal of RJ Nava Advisors, a firm specializing in campaign planning and fundraising strategy for higher education institutions. He serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Trusteeship Magazine for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and is a member of AGB’s Council of Foundation Executives.
Alex Armendariz currently serves as the Director of Tribal Relations at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), where he leads efforts to strengthen partnerships with tribal communities and advance Native student success. He previously served as the Native Outreach Counselor at CSUSB and as the Interim Retention Coordinator for the Native American Student Center at Cal Poly Pomona, supporting outreach, mentorship, and student engagement.
Alex is also a graduate student at the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies, pursuing a Master of Science in Regenerative Studies, where his academic focus complements his professional commitment to community building. His work is deeply rooted in advancing food sovereignty, land access, and sustainable agriculture, with a passion for connecting traditional knowledge and contemporary practices to foster resilience and equity in Native communities.
