Natives Count!
Become an Advocate for Native Education and Issues that Impact Our Communities
Register to Vote Today
Polls show Native people are most concerned with the high rate of MMIW, environmental protections, and economic development. Voting provides the opportunity to elect leaders who will address these issues and work with the U.S. Congress to appropriate funds for issues impacting Indian Country.
Statements on Affirmative Action
The American Indian College Fund is honored by the ongoing public support of our mission and work.
Michelle Obama referenced us as one of the organizations that has long advocated for equity and fairness in higher education. Read about her own academic journey and the importance of affirmative action.
BeyGOOD, the public charity foundation founded by Beyonce Knowles-Carter, encourages supporting students and organizations that advocate on behalf of students.
National Native Scholarship Providers Statement on Affirmative Action
The four organizations that comprise the National Native Scholarships Providers (the American Indian College Fund, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Cobell Scholarship Program administered by Indigenous Education, Inc., and Native Forward Scholars Fund) are disheartened by the June 29th Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action and the potential impact it may have on our scholars.
Stay Up-To-Date
American Indian College Fund President and CEO to Host Webinar Series
American Indian College Fund (College Fund) President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull, will be hosting a three-part webinar series titled “Native Higher Education Insights.” Over the course of three sessions, she will cover what’s changed in the higher education environment post-pandemic and news from the various tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) and Native students.
American Indian College Fund Invites Indigenous Academics and Administrators to Participate in Higher Education Listening Sessions April 16 and 22
The American Indian College Fund invites Native Americans working in academia to participate in Indigenous higher education policy listening sessions. These sessions are for Indigenous faculty, student service personnel, and academic administrators whose research influences policy development or could be used for policy.
American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket “Drum Keepers” Available for Purchase
The 2023 winning Tribal College Blanket Design, Drum Keepers, is now available for purchase. The blanket is the latest addition to Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund collection. The acclaimed lifestyle brand from Portland, Oregon has created wool blankets in partnership with the College Fund for more than 20 years. A portion of the blanket line’s sales provide approximately $50,000 in annual Native student scholarships. Pendleton also contributes to a scholarship endowment that, combined with the total of scholarships disbursed, exceeds $2.5 million. Trey Blackhawk (Winnebago) is a graduate of Little Priest Tribal College with a degree in liberal arts who is currently working on an applied sciences degree.
National Indian Education Association | Hill Week 2023
The Time is NOW
March 10, 2023
This week has been informational, inspirational, and incredible. The gathering of so many passionate and experienced leaders has generated the momentum we need to go out there and make real and lasting change in our communities. We are the solution to the issues facing Native students, and together we will create Native learning systems that maximize the potential of every brilliant Native youth.
Together we will build Tribal Education Capacity. We will revitalize Native languages. We will recruit, train, and retain Native educators. We will build Native pathways for all our children to guide them from cradle to career. We will ensure Data Sovereignty for Native knowledge and resources. And we will create learning communities that serve the Whole Child.
Together we will advocate within our communities and for our communities to secure the resources and support necessary advance comprehensive, culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
The time is NOW. The responsibility is ours. Together we will champion Education Sovereignty until it becomes the standard that defines every Native community. It begins with us.
The National Indian Education Association is committed to empowering Native communities to nurture the strengths, resilience, and intelligence of our Native youth. NIEA engages Native leaders, educators, federal, state, and Tribal partners to advance self-determination and learning opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. NIEA’s direct advocacy has led to more than 50 years of legislative successes in education policy, as well as improving the schools and learning systems serving Native students, their families, and the wider community. During Hill Week 2023 our members and our partners will join with NIEA staff to advocate for the priorities of Native students and Native communities across the nation, emphasizing the importance of education sovereignty across the federal government.
Advocacy Resources
Educational Resources
The American Indian College Fund compiled a list of educational resources for those interested in building their awareness about American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) experiences in historical and modern times. We hope these resources, from a variety of sources, will initiate conversations on Indigenous issues in the 21st century and express how we can better support and learn from Native peoples. Explore our educational resources to learn more.