Dr. Cornell Pewewardy

Professor Emeritus in Indigenous Studies at Portland State University

Professor-of-Practice in the School of Education at Kansas State University

Steven Craig Martin demonstrates over and over again why he is sought after nationally by educational institutions for his knowledge, research, teaching, practice and competency in American Indian higher education. Steven was an invaluable resource to me in my academic career in applying his skillset for the recruitment and retention of American Indian students in higher education institutions. Over the last two decades, Steven and I began our relationship by exchanging emails which led to multiple speaking engagements and classroom teaching on college campuses across the country. Not only was Steven an excellent listener with an encyclopedia knowledge of Native/Indigenous craft wisdom, he was able to figure out the social-emotional needs of students struggling to stay in school.

Steven Martin’s multicultural insights and judgements are solid; his work ethic extraordinary. Throughout his career, Steven counters deficit framings of Indigenous students. Subsequently, Steven understands that Indigeneity, Sovereignty and Relationality occupy the same policy power and visibility in the University parallel to Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion. I’m thrilled to have found a colleague that understands the praxis of decolonizing methodologies. He’s a true professional and an absolute pleasure to work with. I can’t recommend Steven Martin highly enough.

Dr. Joseph Brewer 

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies

Director of Indigenous Studies Program

University of Kansas

I have known Steve Martin for a number of years as a committed and loyal professional in the field of American Indian Student Services. Uniquely, Steve has served in leadership positions at a number of institutions, in very diverse geographies, which has shaped the ways in which he approaches the work alongside Indigenous Peoples in higher education. As an American Indian Higher Education (student services) scholar Steve engages the opportunities to lift up Indigenous Voices in his publications that are directly tied to not only his experiences but Indigenous Student's experiences in Higher Ed. He is relevant, and he is thoughtful in the ways he can weave in his experiential institutional diversity in the development and implementation of programming with Indigenous Students. I have personally witnessed Steve create and implement meaningful programming that is inclusive of multiple student experiences and observations, as well as advise senior leadership at universities on important initiatives that impact the entire university. Steve Martin is a professional that I would not hesitate to hire or consult, his advice is sound, thoughtful, and inclusive. 

Dr. Sherard Robbins

Founder and CEO

Visceral Change

I first met Steve Martin in 2016 as a young professional at a large Research 1 Institution. Although we did not work together directly, Steve was instrumental in my own growth and development as he invested the time and energy to ensure that a young Black professional was set up for success. An incredible part of Steve's mentorship was his unique ability to understand predominantly White institutions and how to navigate such landscapes while remaining authentic to himself. Steve has always been unapologetically Indigenous and although I am not Native American myself, his commitment to his community indirectly demonstrated that it was okay for me to commit similarly to mine. There are a million things for which I could endorse Steve Martin but this endorsement is on behalf of his ability to mentor, coach, advise, and guide young professionals, especially those of color, who are seeking to not only navigate new territories, but to find success in being their holistic selves while doing so. 

Pi'ikea Hardy-Kahaleoumi

Professor/Native Hawaiian Counselor

University of Hawai'i

As a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and educator, the perpetuation of our indigenous knowledge is at the cornerstone of everything I do. While Steve and I are from different Indigenous foundations, we share a common philosophy with regard to our familial connections to land, the ways we draw strength from our ancestors, and our strong sense of nation building for our future generations. Throughout the years that Steve and I have jointly worked with our students, we have combined our cultural practice and Indigenous ritual. In doing so, I have experienced a synergistic effect that has had a spiritually profound impact on myself and our students.

Hands down, Steve is a consummate educator for the leaders of tomorrow. He is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of his ancestors which is a guiding force for all that he does. Steve operates with a strong sense of integrity and functions with a deep commitment to collaboration. He would be a true asset to any project he is a part of.  

Dr. Chris Meyer

Director of Education

Coeur d'Alene Tribe 

I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Steve Martin at two Pacific Northwest land grant universities. He is highly skilled in working with institutions of higher education in recruiting Native American students and setting up quality academic and student service programs to include spaces where students can gather, share meals, study, and receive tutoring, and advising/counseling. The creation of an on campus Native community increased student graduation rates. Steve is also a very exceptional speaker, he is confident in speaking with faculty, college administrators, middle and high school students and Tribal leaders.

Dr. Ruth Harper

Professor Emerita of Counseling and Human Development

South Dakota State University

Steve Martin possesses unique knowledge and depth of experience with American Indian students in a variety of educational settings. He is smart, funny, engaging, and operates with integrity. I have observed his effective work with national and state conferences, as well as in formal classroom settings and casual student gatherings. Steve is genuine and "keeps it real." He also thinks in theoretical and even poetic terms. Steven Martin is definitely a person you want to bring to your organization—and, if you're very lucky, you will become a friend.