Indigenous Advisory Committee

The Indigenous Advisory Committee advises the Natural History Museum of Utah on a broad range of issues affecting the use, care, study, and interpretation of Native American collections. Members advise and/or participate in planning programs and exhibits that meet the needs of Indian communities in the Intermountain West and expand knowledge about the indigenous people, cultures, and histories of this region. The Indigenous Advisory Committee was integral in the development of the Native Voices exhibition, and continues to keep the Museum apprised of contemporary issues and ideas as we revise and update the narratives shared in that space.

Members include representatives from each of Utah’s eight federally recognized tribes; representatives from the University of Utah; Urban Indian Center; Utah Office of Indian Affairs; Utah Board of Education/Title six leadership; Community-at-large representative(s).

2024-2025 Committee Members

• Gwen Cantsee, Ute Mountain Ute White Mesa 
• Betsy Chapoose, Ute Tribe
• Genevieve Fields, Confederated Tribes of Goshute Indians
• Dustin Jansen, Director, Utah Division of Indian Affairs
• Dena Ned, CSW Social Research Institute, University of Utah
• Phefelia Nez, Navajo Nation
• Melissa Oppenheim, Confederated Tribes of Goshute Indians
• Patty Timbimboo Madsen, Northwestern Band of Shoshone
• Virgil Johnson, Community at Large
• Jeanie Groves, Community at Large