Differing Versions of History

Jan 11, 2011 | Archives, Blog

Do you remember when you first learned about an event in American history portrayed through the eyes of American Indians? The narrative is often quite different in events. The Battle at Little Big Horn is just one example, with accounts by soldiers portraying Custer’s men in a much more valiant and favorable light than those eyewitness accounts rendered by American Indian witnesses. (Smithsonian magazine has an excellent article on the subject here http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/How-the-Battle-of-Little-Bighorn-Was-Won.html)

Tribal colleges are important because they allow American Indian students to explore Native narratives of science, history, and more.  There are as many versions of history as there were participants, and tribal colleges do not discount Native truths.

Weigh in. How do you feel tribal colleges help you intellectually explore and contest widely held beliefs and narratives?

Recent Blog Posts

Honoring the Legacy of Ron His Horse Is Thunder: Champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Higher Education

Honoring the Legacy of Ron His Horse Is Thunder: Champion of Tribal Sovereignty and Higher Education

The American Indian College Fund mourns the passing of Ron His Horse Is Thunder (Hunkpapa-Lakota Oyate), a tireless advocate for tribal sovereignty and education. As a leader of Sitting Bull College, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and national higher education initiatives, he dedicated his life to empowering Native communities. His enduring legacy continues to inspire.

TCU Set Stage for Student’s Success at University of Michigan

TCU Set Stage for Student’s Success at University of Michigan

Jasmine Neosh, a dual-degree law and environmental studies student, reflects on how her education at the College of Menominee Nation prepared her to excel at a top-tier law school, equipping her with confidence, critical thinking skills, and a strong cultural foundation. Her experience at a Tribal College not only gave her technical and leadership abilities but also a deep sense of identity and purpose, allowing her to navigate elite academic spaces while staying true to her roots.