Today is National Voter Registration Day. Following are voter registration and voter issue tools to educate yourself and help engage others to get out the vote.
Inside the College Fund Blogs
Show Up: Your Duties as a Native Person, From Citizenship to Voting
While we have always been citizens of our own nations since time immemorial it was not until 1924 when all American Indians born within the territorial limits of the U.S. were recognized as citizens, allowing us the right to vote. Today, a record number of Native candidates are running for office, making the 2018 election exciting. In early September, Indian Country Today reported that 52 Native American women are running for high-level positions in state legislatures, congress, and the position of governor.
Statement on Forced Separation of Immigrant Children from Their Families
American Indians know the inter-generational psychological trauma that follows when children are removed from their families. Native children were forcibly taken from their parents by the U.S. government and were forced to attend boarding schools far away, losing their language, culture, and family ties, creating deep wounds.
College Fund Launches LGBTQ Awareness Initiative with Webinar Series
The American Indian College Fund created the LGBTQ webinar series to provide a resource for all tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) on awareness and understanding of campus climate, identity, and current College Fund initiatives.
Diane: Working for Education, Tradition, and Culture of Native People
Walmart knows that providing outstanding students with scholarships is just one of the stepping stones students need to succeed. Opportunities to network outside of campus and community are important in exposing students to new ideas and possibilities as part of a students’ intellectual development—and career path.
Dr. Cynthia Lindquist of Cankdeska Cikana Community College 2017-18 American Indian College Fund TCU Honoree of the Year
Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Ft. Totten, North Dakota, says she never set out to be a tribal college president. “College was a dream for me as a high school kid. I was the oldest of 13 kids, and there was no money for college.”
Denver and Native Organizations Feed 300 American Indians at Annual Denver Elder’s Dinner
The American Indian College Fund honored Native American elders Theresa Halsey of the Lakota Tribe and Isaac Wak Wak of the Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington state at its Seventeenth Annual Denver Elders Dinner at the University of Denver’s Cable Center. Nearly 300 American Indian elders attended the traditional buffalo feast, which honored them for their guidance throughout the year.
#Indigetern Native Student Intern Stories
Robin Maxkii shared some snippets from her internship experience at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. In a conversation with her about her internship experience, she shared that her time in Washington was one of her best experiences in learning more about how to think about and act on information given by working professionals and mentors. Although she was appreciative of their advice, she chafed at feedback about her career trajectory and academic pursuit.
From Student Intern to College Fund Employee: Cassandra’s Journey
Cassandra Harden (Diné) was focused on a career in early childhood education when she first learned about internship opportunities with the American Indian College Fund (College Fund). While she studied as a student at tribal college Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cassandra got involved in SIPI’s early childhood program, working on the College Fund’s Wakanyeja “Sacred Little Ones” and Ké’ Early Childhood Initiatives, as a student intern.
Embrace Native Heritage Month
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is to be able to identify myself using terms that are personal to me; and the impact that has for all of us in the way we feel self-confidence and pride in our individuality. Perhaps you define yourself by the job you do or the language you speak. Or maybe you identify yourself by your skin color, sexual orientation, or what part of the world you grew up in.
