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
Charity Navigator Awards American Indian College Fund Third Consecutive Four-Star Rating
Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluation system, has awarded the Denver-based American Indian College Fund (the Fund) a coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal management and transparency. This is the Fund’s third consecutive four-star rating.
Third Time Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator Makes American Indian College Fund Wise Investment for Donors
When Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluation system, awarded the American Indian College Fund (the Fund) a coveted four-star rating for sound fiscal management and transparency, it was our third consecutive four-star rating. It was also no surprise to those that work at the American Indian College Fund.
Richard Williams: The Journey
More than 15 years ago I was selected to serve as the Executive Director of the American Indian College Fund. At that time, I had been working at the University of Colorado-Boulder for 17 years and needed a change. I had several job offers within a two-week period, and I consulted several friends. They all suggested that the American Indian College Fund was the place I could make the biggest difference for Indian people. I was about to begin a journey that would change my life forever.
Hershey Company Grants $22,000 to American Indian College Fund for Scholarships
The Hershey Company granted $22,000 to the American Indian College Fund (the Fund) for Native student scholarships. The gift will provide scholarships to Native or Native descendant students attending tribal colleges or mainstream universities who are studying math, technology, science, engineering, and/or business.
New Pell Grant Policy to Hurt Non-traditional Native Students
Many non-traditional students reenter college many years after a first unsuccessful try at higher education. They may have been unsuccessful due to poor study skills; poor preparation for college due to ineffective high schools; lack of discipline; lack of financial or family support; or a combination of several factors.
Richard B. Williams Awarded White Crown Award
American Indian College Fund President and CEO Richard B. Williams received the prestigious White Crown Award from the American Indian Business Leaders group during their national conference in Denver, Colo.
The General Mills Foundation Awards Grant to American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund has received a $60,000 donation from the General Mills Foundation to continue the General Mills Foundation Tribal College Scholarship Program. The grant will provide scholarships each semester to 26 American Indian students attending tribal colleges in Minnesota and New Mexico.
AIHEC Student Conference Honors the Drum
It is always great to get out and meet our students. At the 31st annual American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota, we had that chance. Native students gather to participate in competitions and celebrate the work they do at the tribal colleges as they pursue a college education and prepare to make a difference in their communities.
Technology Helps Youngsters With Native Language
You don’t have to wait until you are attending a tribal college to learn a Native language. There are now applications for mobile phones for learning Lakota and Navajo from tinkR; Labs.
Navajo Toddler was released last year, and teaches children the words for animals, colors, and phrases. This year the company is preparing to launch the Lakota app with the same features.
MetLife Foundation Contributes $15,000 for Native Student Scholarships
MetLife Foundation granted $15,000 this month to continue the MetLife Foundation Tribal College Scholarship Program. Now in its 12th year, this program provides scholarships to Native students attending tribal colleges and universities.
