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

Annual Flame of Hope Gala Raises More Than $300,000 for Scholarships

Annual Flame of Hope Gala Raises More Than $300,000 for Scholarships

The American Indian College Fund’s16th annual American Indian College Fund Flame of Hope Gala raised more than $300,000 for American Indian student scholarships. The event, held October 20 at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center of the Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado, included headline entertainment by Native flutist R. Carlos Nakaí and The Jared Stewart Band. Hattie Kauffman, award-winning television journalist with CBS, served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Donaldson Foundation Grants $15,000 to Renew Scholarship Program

The Minnesota-based Donaldson Foundation granted $15,000 to the American Indian College Fund to renew its commitment to the Donaldson Foundation Tribal College Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarships to American Indian students studying science, technology, engineering, or math at tribal colleges and universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

PSA Production goes to Oglala Lakota College

PSA Production goes to Oglala Lakota College

Our first day in South Dakota marked the arrival of account supervisor Hanna Nesper Newell, art producer Kimberly Wilder, creative director Patty Orlando, copywriter Casey Hall, and camera operator Matt Hayes. American Indian College Fund president Rick Williams made the trip up from the Fund’s headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

They’re Off!

They’re Off!

On Sunday, October 2, members of the American Indian College Fund and our long-time advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy, set out to produce the Fund's new advertising campaign.  This blog will follow our team through Indian Country as we stop at tribal colleges to...

Guest Blog From Student Intern Deanna

Guest Blog From Student Intern Deanna

This the tenth and final entry from the summer series of blog entries by our scholar Deanna, who is writing about her internship experience at Mesa Verde National Park. We are thankful for her sharing her perspective and wish her only the best at Ft. Lewis College and...

Guest Blog From Student Intern Deanna

This the ninth  part in a series of blog entries by our scholar Deanna, who is writing about her internship experience at Mesa Verde National Park. We have finally arrived to Week 3!  Technically for half of this week I’m still attempting to finish our re-housing...

Guest Blog From Student Intern Deanna

Guest Blog From Student Intern Deanna

This the eighth part in a series of blog entries by our scholar Deanna, who is writing about her internship experience at Mesa Verde National Park. On Monday of my second week at the park I began the longest project of my internship. Every year for over the past 20...