Month: September 2025 Blogs

Browse by Category

In Memoriam-Ernie Stevens, Jr. Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association

In Memoriam-Ernie Stevens, Jr.
Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association

The American Indian College Fund mourns the passing of Ernie Stevens, Jr. (Oneida Nation), longtime Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. A lifelong champion of tribal colleges and Indigenous sovereignty, his leadership strengthened Indian Country and created opportunities for future generations. We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the Oneida Nation.

Observing Orange Shirt Day – Why Awareness Matters 

Observing Orange Shirt Day – Why Awareness Matters 

In Canada, Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30 as a federal holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) and other National Native Scholarship Providers are working to raise awareness of this important day of observation in solidarity with the survivors of boarding schools across North America.

American Indian College Fund Partners with National Native Scholarship Providers to Raise Awareness of Boarding School Students 

American Indian College Fund Partners with National Native Scholarship Providers to Raise Awareness of Boarding School Students 

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) and other National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSPs), including AISES, Cobell Scholarship Fund, and Native Forward Scholars Fund, are raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day in solidarity with Native people in Canada, where it is observed on September 30 as a federal holiday called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  

American Indian College Fund Appoints Five New Trustees to Board for Three-Year Terms

American Indian College Fund Appoints Five New Trustees to Board for Three-Year Terms

The American Indian College Fund welcomes five members to its governing board of trustees for three-year terms. The three tribal college presidents named to the board include Dr. Sean Chandler of Aaniiih Nakoda College, Eva Flying of Chief Dull Knife College, and Dr. Dawn Tobacco-Two Crow-Frank of Oglala Lakota College. The two private sector trustees include Nicole Bellefuille, J.D., a vice president in the financial services industry, and Nalneesh Gaur, a partner with PwC in their Cybersecurity practice.

American Indian College Fund Publishes Free College-Going Guidebook for Native Students 

American Indian College Fund Publishes Free College-Going Guidebook for Native Students 

A free guide to help Native students seeking a higher education is available from the American Indian College Fund. “Native Pathways: A College-Going Guidebook,” available for download on the College Fund website, offers everything from considerations for choosing a college, an in-depth breakdown of financial aid, how to identify and create a support system, a glossary of terms, and encouragement from elders, faculty, and American Indian College Fund President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull.