By Robert DeCoteau, Director of Workforce Education, NWIC
Northwest Indian College (NWIC) serves the Indigenous communities of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, rooted in the values of our ancestors. One of our key pathways is the High School Completion program, offered in partnership with Bellingham Technical College. We understand that learning happens far beyond the classroom walls. That’s why our competency-based system awards credit for life experience – whether it’s military service, cultural leadership, or raising a family. We don’t just help students finish high school; we validate the knowledge they’ve carried with them all along.
Carl Compton is a testament to resilience and duty. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, his roots in Oklahoma run deep. After finding his footing at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School, near Ponca City, and earning his GED, he answered the call to serve. Carl honorably completed two tours in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps, carrying the strength of his heritage into every situation. Now, he brings that same discipline and dedication to his education, building a future as impactful as his service.
Reintegrating into civilian life was a battlefield of its own for Carl. Without the Marine Corps’ rigid structure, he drifted toward alcohol, lacking a clear direction. But his warrior spirit found a new home. Guided by the Kiowa War Mothers – an organization born from ancient protectors like the Calf Old Women – he reconnected with his heritage. Carl took a profound step, becoming a Sun Dancer in the Cheyenne tradition. Embracing the grueling four-day dance and offering his suffering as prayer, he transformed his struggle into strength. He found that true service doesn’t end with the uniform; it’s a lifelong commitment to his people.
Mr. Compton didn’t immediately pursue further education, and when he finally sought proof of his GED, he hit a wall. The awarding institution had closed, and the transition to digital records erased his file – another roadblock in a life full of them. But when he applied to NWIC, he didn’t back down. Recognizing his intelligence and drive, our program stepped in. Through our partnership with Bellingham Technical College, we crafted an Individual Education Plan that credited his military service, cultural leadership, and employment history toward his diploma. Carl already had the education; he just needed it to be recognized. He quickly cleared the remaining hurdles and earned his Adult High School Diploma in Spring 2025.
Carl is now enrolled in our Chemical Dependency program, pursuing an associate degree in drug and alcohol counseling. His mission is twofold: to serve the Lummi Community here at our main campus, and to maintain his vital connection to his people back home in Oklahoma through periodic visits. He’s excelling academically and has applied to become the next peer mentor for our high school completion students. We all consider ourselves lucky to have him – his journey from lost Sun Dancer to dedicated guide proves that the hardest roads often lead to the best destinations.
Carl Compton’s story reflects the heart of NWIC’s mission: to lift up our students by honoring their past as they build their future. By bridging the gap between his military service and his calling as a counselor, we helped ensure that our student’s wisdom found its rightful place in our communities. From the Sun Dance grounds of Oklahoma to the classrooms here in Bellingham, we are proud to walk alongside him.
