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 Native communities in the Intermountain West and expand knowledge about the Indigenous people, cultures, and histories of this region. The Indigenous Advisory Committee is integral in the development Museum exhibitions, and keeps the Museum apprised of contemporary issues and ideas as we revise and update exhibitions.

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).

2026-2027 Committee Members

• Betsy Chapoose, Ute Tribe
• Dustin Jansen, Director, Utah Division of Indian Affairs
• Dena Ned, CSW Social Research Institute, University of Utah
• Elvira Murphy, Confederated Tribes of Goshute Indians
• Gwen Cantsee, Ute Mountain Ute White Mesa
• Jacob Crane, Utah Division of Indian Affairs
• Jeanie Groves, Community at Large
• Phefelia Nez, Navajo Nation
• Patty Timbimboo Madsen, Northwestern Band of Shoshone
• Richard Graymountain, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
• Samantha Eldridge, Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement
• Virgil Johnson, Community at Large