Tribal Relations
Tribal Relations develops partnerships with tribal nations and communities locally, regionally, and globally. In keeping with the design aspirations of the New American University, ASU seeks to embrace our place, connect with tribal communities, and enable the success of each American Indian student. We reaffirm the university’s commitment to these goals and acknowledge that everyone, the entire ASU community, is responsible for their achievement.
We are committed to providing access, retaining and graduating American Indian students in a climate that is welcoming and respectful of their languages and cultures. Foundational to these goals, we commit to creating an environment of success and possibility for American Indian students at ASU. ASU is dedicated to supporting tribal nations in achieving futures of their own making.
Candace Hamana
Director, Tribal Relations
Candace Hamana serves as Director of Tribal Relations in the Office of Government and Community Engagement at Arizona State University. In this role, she leads the university’s strategic engagement with tribal nations, develops partnerships with Indigenous communities, and provides counsel on Native issues across institutional initiatives. A proud member of the Hopi Tribe, Candace has spent her career strengthening relationships between tribal communities and public institutions—ensuring Indigenous voices are heard, respected, and centered.
Her work spans Indian Country and beyond: from serving as a Tribal Liaison at the Arizona Commerce Authority—where she advanced broadband access and digital equity—to launching culturally responsive public health campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic as a Public Affairs Specialist with the Indian Health Service. She has also served in tribal water policy, working as a Strategic Initiatives Analyst at Central Arizona Project, and led media relations for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Candace’s early roots in political organizing began in South Carolina, where she ran communications strategy for state legislative campaigns and the House Democratic Caucus. She is a board member of the Buddy Whitethorne Foundation, supporting Native artists and educators, and has previously served on the boards of the PRSA Phoenix Chapter and the Hopi Education Endowment Fund.
Candace holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from ASU. She’s a proud military mom and lives in Glendale with her husband Ram and their beloved cat trio. Her work centers on building authentic engagement and visibility for Indigenous communities in higher education and beyond.
Meet the Tribal Relations Team