Students studying the Piikani language at Blackfeet Community College (BCC) receive language kits to take home, thanks in part to support from the American Indian College Fund. As a special note, Iva Croff, Division Chair of Humanities in Liberal Studies & Piikani Studies, is a former American Indian College Fund scholar who started out earning a certificate to operate heavy equipment. She was such a dedicated and accomplished student that her professors encouraged her to earn an associate degree. She went on with her education after graduating from BCC, earning a master’s degree and going full-circle, returning to her home TCU to teach. Piikani language is her passion.
Iḷisaġvik College (IC) Program Keeps Arctic Cultural Knowledge Alive
Iḷisaġvik College’s Native arts program is helping Alaska Native students in the Arctic Circle preserve and revitalize Iñupiaq cultural knowledge. Through hands-on learning, cultural camps, and curriculum development, students gain skills in traditional art forms, healing practices, and land-based knowledge while ensuring these traditions are documented and passed down to future generations.
