Dr. Luhui Whitebear

Luhui’s expertise in Indigenous studies, activism, and policy, combined with her deep connection to her Chumash heritage, strengthens her role as a member-at-large of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation, where she advocates for cultural preservation, community empowerment, and the advancement of Indigenous rights.

Luhui is an Assistant Professor of Indigenous Studies in the School of Language, Culture, and Society at Oregon State University as well as a mother, poet, and activist. Dr. Whitebear's research focuses on California Indigenous studies, Indigenous feminisms, Indigenous rhetorics, Indigenous activism, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), national law and policy, and Indigenous land and water rights. She earned all four of her degrees from Oregon State University, where she previously served as the Center Director of the kaku-ixt mana ina haws and as the College Advising and Scholarship Coordinator for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Dr. Whitebear resides on the lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, both of which have significantly influenced her life and work.