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

Earth Day is Every Day

Earth Day is Every Day

Today, April 22, is the 54th Earth Day since its first celebration, which birthed the modern environmental movement in 1970. It is a day to raise awareness of the damage done to the planet and the need for more sustainable practices in every aspect of life and industry. For Indigenous peoples, the responsibility to care for the earth and the environments that shaped our cultures is one we have carried for millennia. That commitment to the places that are a part of us persists today in the studies and careers many Native people pursue.

NYC Indigenous Food Event April 30 Features Five Indigenous Celebrity Chefs

NYC Indigenous Food Event April 30 Features Five Indigenous Celebrity Chefs

On April 30, the American Indian College Fund will introduce New Yorkers to Indigenous cuisine at its New York City EATSS (Epicurean Award to Support Scholars) event from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, New York, New York, 10011. President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull and her daughter and granddaughter will be on hand to discuss how a higher education is a revolutionary act for Native people along with their own transformative college experiences.

The American Indian College Fund presented at the 2024 National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students Conference

The American Indian College Fund presented at the 2024 National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students Conference

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) presented at the 2024 National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students Conference. Nicolette Weston, College Fund Program Administrator for Transfer and Admissions, partnered with Juan Perez and Joey DiTonno of the Tribal College Transfer Advisory Committee to lead a session titled “Building Equity and Transfer Success with Underrepresented Populations.”

American Indian College Fund President and CEO to Host Webinar Series

American Indian College Fund President and CEO to Host Webinar Series

American Indian College Fund (College Fund) President and CEO, Cheryl Crazy Bull, will be hosting a three-part webinar series titled “Native Higher Education Insights.” Over the course of three sessions, she will cover what’s changed in the higher education environment post-pandemic and news from the various tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) and Native students.