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

Part of Who You Are

Part of Who You Are

Julie Buckman interviews Ella Robertson (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), a mostly self-taught artist who teaches Native American textiles at Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC). Robertson recalls getting her start as a child making Barbie clothes on her aunt’s sewing machine. Today she is a renowned Dakota community artist and entrepreneur specializing in many art forms and created SWC’s logo, one of her many accomplishments.

“Infinite Prayer” the Latest American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket is Now Available for Purchase

“Infinite Prayer” the Latest American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket is Now Available for Purchase

The 2024 winning Tribal College Blanket Design, Infinite Prayer, designed by Jenabah Yazzie (Diné), is now available for purchase. Chosen from over 40 submissions, the blanket is the latest addition to Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund collection. The heritage brand has created wool blankets in partnership with the College Fund for more than 20 years.