James Riding In

James Riding In, a citizen of the Pawnee Nation, serves as interim director and associate professor of American Indian Studies in Arizona State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His scholarship empowers Indigenous nations through critical analysis of colonialism's impacts on sovereignty, cultural integrity, and human rights.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in U.S. History, University of California-Los Angeles (1991)
• M.A. in American Indian Studies, University of California-Los Angeles (1985)
• B.A. in History, Fort Lewis College (1976)
• A.A. in General Education, Haskell Indian Junior College (1974)

Riding In's research examines repatriation, cultural resources laws, religious freedom, and decolonizing methodologies, with deep focus on Pawnee history and the American West. His work confronts institutional racism in grave protection policies and advocates for Indigenous sovereignty in land and cultural rights struggles. As editor of Wicazo Sa Review, he shapes critical discourse in Native American Studies.

His publications reveal consistent engagement with NAGPRA implementation, treaty analysis, and decolonial frameworks since the 1990s, emphasizing Indigenous perspectives in historical narratives and legal advocacy. Key themes include cultural genocide in diplomacy, sacred site protection, and human rights frameworks for repatriation.

Riding In actively mentors through committee leadership and has served as expert witness in landmark cases including Pro-Football, Inc. v. Blackhorse and A.A. ex rel. Bettenbaugh v. Needville ISD. His grant-funded research spans tribal justice initiatives, Santa Fe Trail studies, and the Warriors Project.

He co-founded Pawnee Nation College's Board of Trustees, serves on the Genoa Indian School Digital Reconciliation Project, and participates in national repatriation consultations. His service extends to museum advisory boards, tribal legal advocacy, and public education through media interviews and conference presentations.