Staff Report Melissa Peterson has been appointed KU's director of tribal relations. The University of Kansas has created a position aimed at addressing the needs of Native American students and fostering engagement with Haskell Indian Nations University and tribal nations. Melissa Peterson was named KU’s director of tribal relations on Thursday. Peterson was born and raised on the Navajo Nation, is of the T Å ‘Ãzà lánà clan (Many Goats), born for the TodÃch’ÃÃ’nii clan (Bitter Water), according to a KU press release. She has worked at KU since 2015. This is believed to be the first time in KU history that there has been a position dedicated to promoting the belonging of Native American students on campus. The position was created as part of Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer’s efforts to invest in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at KU, the release stated.