Dr. Kehli Henry joined the Native American Institute in September as the new Tribal engagement and research coordinator. Henry is White Earth Anishinaabe (her father is an enrolled citizen) with Ojibwe and European ancestors. She was raised primarily in Michigan. In 2019, she earned her Ph.D. in anthropology from MSU, where her studies focused on cultural and medical anthropology and health and wellness in contemporary Native American communities. More importantly, Henry brings decades of experience working with and for Tribal Nations. She has experience in K-12 education, youth and cultural programs, curriculum alignment, grants, Tribal data governance, and Tribe-public school partnerships through her extensive work for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. She has also worked with Tribal Nations through her graduate studies, work for Cambridge Research Consultants, and recent (2023-2025) postdoctoral research fellowship at MSU.

In her new role, Henry will prioritize developing good relationships and resources to make connections with Tribal Nations and students at MSU. She will also assist NAI in coordinating shared initiatives with MSU’s American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, Indigenous Law and Policy Center, EAGLE faculty and staff organization, and community partners.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Henry to the Native American Institute and the broader MSU Native community,” said Dr. Kevin Leonard, director of the Native American Institute. “Her expertise and experience align seamlessly with NAI’s mission and vision, and thanks to her strong relationships with Tribal Nations across the state, she’s ready to make an immediate impact.”