Heather Tanana

Heather Tanana is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Utah College of Law and affiliated with the Wallace Stegner Center for Environmental Law. Her work bridges Environmental Law and Indian Law, focusing on water rights, climate change, and health equity in Tribal communities.

• Expertise: Environmental Law, Indian Law, Water Security, Climate Justice, Tribal Sovereignty
• Key Themes: Intersection of legal frameworks with public health, policy advocacy, and Tribal self-determination

Her recent research explores:

• Water insecurity in Indian Country
• Tribal sovereignty in climate change mitigation
• Legal barriers to health services in Native communities
• Policy reform for clean water access
• Historical evidence in Supreme Court Indian Law cases

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to environmental justice, Tribal governance, and federal policy. She actively engages in regulatory comment processes for agencies like the Bureau of Land Management and USDA.