Happy International Women’s Day! Did you know there are 574 federally recognized Indian tribes in the contiguous 48 states and Alaska in the United States? Did you know that each Native Nation is a sovereign nation, with its own language, culture, teachings, spiritual practices, tribal government, court system, and more?
Inside the College Fund Blogs
The Night Watchman
Centered around the threat of the U.S. Government’s Termination of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa tribe in North Dakota, Louise Erdrich’s novel The Night Watchman takes us on an Indigenous journey inspired by her grandfather, Patrick Gourneau, a former tribal chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and a night watchman.
In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 17 the nation honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life’s work and contributions to civil rights in America. This year the commemoration is particularly poignant for Indian Country as we also mark the loss of Clyde Bellecourt, the last remaining founder of the Native American activist and civil rights group, the American Indian Movement (AIM).
Emily White Hat, Vice President of Programs at College Fund, Says Grads Are Seen and Loved at UTTC Fall Commencement Address
Emily White Hat, J.D. (Sicangu Lakota), the Vice President of Programs at the American Indian College Fund, addressed the graduates at United Tribes Technical College’s 2021 Fall Commencement in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Actor Zahn McClarnon Visits College Fund at LNI
The Student Success Services team had a surprise visitor at its booth last week at the 44th Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City, South Dakota. Actor Zahn McClarnon, starring in the 2021 FX on Hulu series Reservation Dogs (also known for his performances in Longmire, Fargo, and Westworld) stopped by to say hello.
#Indigetern Native Student Intern Stories
#Indegetern is our new campaign to highlight stories and reflections of Native students who have interned in businesses, organizations, agencies, and tribal communities across the country. Meet our first intern, Carrie.
Help Raise Native Voices on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Join Our Indige-Bration Concert
This year to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day the American Indian College Fund will host a live, online concert celebration, Indige-Bration of and for Indigenous peoples, featuring the music of entertainers from across the nation.
Carrie: Internships Provide Career Learning Experience
Carrie, an American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholar, graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in cinematic arts and technology and was enrolled in San Diego State University’s Film and Media program...
‘Think Indian’ Book Club – August 2021 Book Review: Firekeeper’s Daughter
The ‘Think Indian’ Book Club focuses its book selections on Indigenous authors, voices, and storytelling. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley is a coming-of-age story centered around eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine, who feels like she does not fit or belong in both her hometown and her nearby Ojibwe reservation.
Journeys Matter—And So Do State Laws
On Monday, June 28, I was privileged to be a witness. I wanted to share what I saw and heard. That day the Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, signed three pieces of legislation at the Denver Indian Center in full view of many people from the Denver Indian community and in the presence of key elected officials and government officials. He was joined by representatives of the Southern Ute Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Northern Arapaho of Wyoming as well the Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, who oversees the Colorado Commission on Indian Affairs.