Indigenous Literacy Story Series
The Indigenous Literacy Story Series seeks to shift perceptions of literacy and education in tribal nation communities, provide evidence of literacy success and innovation in tribal nation communities, establish the College Fund as a resource and leader in literacy resources, and encourage innovation and collaboration within TCUs, across TCUs, and between Native inservice teachers.
This story series features guest writers from the College Fund, TCUs, and Native educators in the field.
Indigenous Literacy is:
A means of expressing and sustaining connection, culture, and sovereignty.
The ability to communicate (tell stories, speak, write, create, teach, or demonstrate) and comprehend (listen, read, sense, interpret, view, learn, or practice).
A starting point for Native people to co-create their environment in ways that are grounded in – and sustaining of – Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of knowing.
Relational and intergenerational, supporting kinship with each other, ancestors, and the land.
Essential to thriving Indigenous communities.
Featured Stories
Breaking the Cycle – Considering Barriers to Higher Education
By Robert DeCoteau, Director of Workforce Education, NWIC As educators and funders, we often step in with grand plans and resources, hoping to steer young Native Americans towards success. But do we truly understand their worldview, their motivations, their...
Breaking the Cycle – Finding Purpose and Building a Foundation Through Student Success
By Robert DeCoteau, Director of Workforce Education, NWIC My own academic journey started right here on the Lummi Reservation, where I grew up. I’m not someone who followed a traditional path – I dropped out of school, worked various jobs, and later returned to...
Help the College Fund Protect Voters and Oppose the SAVE America Act
The American Indian College Fund provides vital information to our students and others in our communities to help them navigate the voter registration and voting process, because American Indians and Alaska Natives are impacted more heavily by federal laws and regulations than any other group in America due to our political status.
Circle of Hope Winter 2026
| Winter 2026 | Circle of Hope Setting Native Students Up for Success Dear Friends and Relatives, Typically, this is the time of year when things rest, restoring themselves for spring growth. Where I come from, the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota, animals...
TCUs’ Unique Take on the Purpose of Education: A Reflection for National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week
During National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week, our Senators and Representatives learn about the perspective of higher education, not as an impersonal experience that results in higher earnings, but as a sharing of knowledge and deepening of relationships that leads to graduates who are not only higher earners but invested members of their community and country.
American Indian College Fund Scholarship Season Opens February 1
American Indian College Fund Scholarship Season Opens February 1 Comprehensive Support and a Streamlined System Aid Prospective Applicants and Funded Scholars Denver, Colo., January 27, 2026 — Applications for an American Indian College Fund (College Fund) scholarship...
One Student’s Story
By Joseph (Tohono O’odham Nation) As a Native person traveling on my own tribal nation and ancestral lands, I never thought I would be questioned about my citizenship. Our land and our Tribe existed long before borders, checkpoints, or immigration agencies. Yet these...
