A guest post from Heidi K. Brandow (Diné, Kanaka Maoli), Communications Manager at First Peoples Fund. As the fall season conjures memories of vivid colors, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and celebrations such as Halloween, we ask the public to refrain from participating in racist and inaccurate portrayals of Indigenous people through “Native American” themed costumes. These practices in no way honor Indigenous people but rather reinforce false narratives and dehumanize Indigenous people into caricatures.
Month: October 2022 Blogs
Join the American Indian College Fund in Support of the Indian Child Welfare Act: Vital to Native Culture, Identity, and Sovereignty
On November 9, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments of Haaland v. Brackeen, the case concerning the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The stakes are high. The Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately determine whether the 44-year-old law that ensures Native children have the legal right to remain connected to their familial network, culture, and community will remain intact.
Media Alert: Top Performers Join Forces with American Indian College Fund for Free Virtual Native American Heritage Month Concert
Media Alert: Top Performers Join Forces with American Indian College Fund for Free Virtual Native American Heritage Month Concert A Celebration of Indigenous Peoples, History, and Cultures on November 1st Denver, Colo.—October 19, 2022– Mark your calendars! The...
Returning to School Takes Courage: Akiiwaande’s Story
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College’s high school equivalency (HSE) program recognizes that one of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Aakwa’ode’ewin (bravery), is displayed momentously by its HSE students. This is the story of one those students, Akiiwaande.
Professional Learning Community Supports Graduating Students
Author: Kim Owen, Graduation Coach Co-Author: Nahrin Aziz, Project Director For the past academic year, eight graduates-to-be and Northwest Indian College’s (NWIC) Graduation Coach, Kim Owen, met once a month to provide support toward successful course completion and...
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Every Day
Monday marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, thanks to the tireless work of Indigenous advocates and allies who have worked to secure its recognition by municipalities, states, and the nation (although still not a federal holiday, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a federally recognized holiday). Native Peoples were always here—at the time of contact—and now, thanks to the tenacity and resilience of our ancestors and the advocacy of our people today. When we celebrate Native heritage, cultures, traditions, and people today, we remember our ancestors’ many sacrifices and soberly reflect on the impact colonialism had on our people and our ways of living.
American Indian College Fund Selects 2022-23 Indigenous Visionaries
Empowered Indigenous women lead positive change in their communities. Through the Indigenous Visionaries Program the American Indian College Fund supports the development of women leaders across Tribal communities where tribal colleges and universities are located.
American Indian College Fund Invests in Tribal College Faculty Development
Faculty are essential to creating a thriving academic and cultural environment at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). They teach and advise students, develop culturally relevant curricula, and take on administrative duties. Yet faculty often are unable to learn from one another or foster relationships in the research arena to focus on research activities and further learning for themselves.
Chief Dull Knife College Names Eva M. Flying as New College President
After a year-long search, Chief Dull Knife College is excited to announce Eva M. Flying as its new college President. She will be the 6th sitting President, and the first woman to occupy this role. She is deeply rooted in the Northern Cheyenne community and is a champion of enhancing lives through health and education.
The College Fund Remembers Dan Wieden
The American Indian College Fund staff, the students, and the many faculty and staff at the tribal colleges it serves are saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the international award-winning advertising agency and longtime College Fund supporter, Wieden+Kennedy.