A Cold Winter

Jan 31, 2011 | Archives, Blog

Winter is hard on everyone. Travel is difficult if not dangerous, and the colder temps in a northern climate make it hard to stay warm.

American Indian students have a difficult time–with soaring gas prices and long commutes across dangerous roads, getting to school takes determination and strength. Yet our students do continue on, despite the financial and other hardships, slogging through the winter, sharing rides to cut costs, and more because they are committed to getting an education.

I’d like to take this opportunity to tell our students that we are proud of them and their determination. We salute their endurance. The end is in sight and you can and will earn a college degree. Your ancestors that came before you endured incredible hardships so that our people might survive, and you are following in their footsteps and making them proud.

At the American Indian College Fund we are proud of you. And I am proud of you.

–Richard B. Williams, Oglala Lakota/Northern Cheyenne, President and CEO, American Indian College Fund

Recent Blog Posts

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.