Heather Tanana

Heather (Diné) is a legal expert and advocate at the intersection of federal Indian law, the environment, and public health. She is currently a Visiting Professor of Law at the University of California, Irvine and will be joining the faculty at University of Denver Sturm College of Law in the fall of 2025. Heather's research focuses primarily on tribal water issues, from climate change impacts to Colorado River management. She also leads the Universal Access to Clean Water initiative, which seeks to address the lack of clean drinking water in Indian country and secure water access for all Americans. Heather previously served as an Assistant Research Professor and Stegner Fellow at the S.J. Quinney College of Law – University of Utah, clerked at the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, and co-founded the Indian Law Section of the Utah State Bar Association.

Heather is passionate about tribal sovereignty and uplifting community. She actively serves on the board of Western Resource Advocates as well as several working groups with the American Bar Association. In her free time, she enjoys beading and spending time with her family.