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An Indigenous-rooted curricula predicated on the wisdom of the elders sets TCUs apart from mainstream institutions. Such a culturally nurturing environment instills pride and facilitates student success.
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Comanche Nation College Closes
After working for 14 years and investing nearly $40 million in Comanche Nation College (CNC), the tribe closed its doors this past summer.
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Spokane Tribal College Looks to the Future
Recently, when nine students graduated from Spokane Tribal College (STC), it was one of the largest graduating classes in the history of the tiny college.
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In the Service of Others: How Volunteering is Integral to the Tribal College Experience
Today, the spirit of volunteerism is very much alive at every tribal college and university. From fundraisers for food pantries to educational activities to help fellow students, TCUs help forge reciprocity among students and staff.
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Pawnee Nation College has High Hopes for the Future
When Pawnee Nation College (PNC) opened its doors in Pawnee, Oklahoma in 2005, it had a whopping enrollment of 23 students. First called Pawnee Nation Academy,
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California Indians Seek to Establish a TCU
There is currently an effort to bring back D-Q University (DQU) in Davis, California, after the institution stopped offering classes in 2005. Founded in 1971,
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Power to the People: Tribal activists transform communities
When everyone told them it couldn’t be done, Joe McDonald, Ed.D., remembers how firmly tribal leaders stuck to their guns and helped draft federal legislation to fund the tribal college system.
When her own husband questioned her efforts to get a college degree, Alvena Oldman ignored his cutting remarks and kept on taking classes.
When people try to treat Indian students as victims and don’t set high standards for them, Cheryl Crazy Bull objects and insists that they can achieve, regardless of their age or circumstances.
And when one state university kicked him out for bad grades, Manley Begay, Jr., went back to his tribal college to seriously start his educational career. It led to a doctorate degree and to him being introduced these days as one of the most successful graduates of Navajo Community College (now known as Diné College).Each of these people exemplifies activism, defined in the dictionary as “the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals.” Through education, these four have transformed themselves and strive to transform their communities.
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Never Too Young to Learn
Colleges entice younger children to elevate their dreams through dual credits, entrepreneurship camps, enrichment programs, field trips, and internships.
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Students Take Off Flying in Summer Programs
Summertime turns many tribal college campuses into a haven for high school students eager to be a part of campus life and take part in a variety of summer camp programs. Some camps are even designed for elementary and middle school students.
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Counting Coups on the Courts
Hoops are the gig for the Salish Kootenai College Bison, Little Big Horn College Rams, and Blackfeet Community College Pikuni, while the Haskell Lady Indians volley balls.
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Who’s Best for U.S. AND Indian Country? Students weigh in on 2008 presidential race
Young tribal college student leaders are concerned about the war, the economy, and the environment more than gender or race.
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A Good Education? Students judge tribal colleges by many criteria
Tribal college students discuss how they use accreditation, cultural philosophy, commitment, and other factors to critique their colleges.
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A Day in Our Lives: Students of the Year reveal determination, heart, and spirit
From the Southwest to the Upper Midwest, and the Rockies to the Northwest, students share glimpses into their life-shaping journeys.
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Handling the Heat: Governor’s cook enjoys demands of NM mansion menus
Lupe Jackson handles plenty of heat and excitement, the kind that comes from a position that only she can claim – private household cook for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
