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
American Indian College Fund Invites Indigenous Academics and Administrators to Participate in Higher Education Listening Sessions April 16 and 22
The American Indian College Fund invites Native Americans working in academia to participate in Indigenous higher education policy listening sessions. These sessions are for Indigenous faculty, student service personnel, and academic administrators whose research influences policy development or could be used for policy.
American Indian College Fund Student-Designed Pendleton Blanket “Drum Keepers” Available for Purchase
The 2023 winning Tribal College Blanket Design, Drum Keepers, is now available for purchase. The blanket is the latest addition to Pendleton Woolen Mills’ American Indian College Fund collection. The acclaimed lifestyle brand from Portland, Oregon has created wool blankets in partnership with the College Fund for more than 20 years. A portion of the blanket line’s sales provide approximately $50,000 in annual Native student scholarships. Pendleton also contributes to a scholarship endowment that, combined with the total of scholarships disbursed, exceeds $2.5 million. Trey Blackhawk (Winnebago) is a graduate of Little Priest Tribal College with a degree in liberal arts who is currently working on an applied sciences degree.
American Indian College Fund Honors Tribal College Students of the Year and Coca Cola Scholars
The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) honored 35 Tribal College and University Students of the Year and 35 Coca Cola First Generation Scholars at a ceremony held on Sunday, March 10 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Dr. Charles M. Roessel, President of Diné College, was also named the College Fund’s 2023-24 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year.
Dr. Charles M. Roessel, President, Diné College, Named as the American Indian College Fund 2023-24 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year
The American Indian College Fund selected Dr. Charles M. Roessel, President of Diné College, as its 2023-2024 Tribal College President Honoree of the Year. This award is granted to a distinguished individual who has made a positive and lasting impact on the tribal college movement.
