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
“Move Aside,” New Ad Campaign for American Indian College Fund
At the heart of the American Indian College Fund’s latest PSA campaign, “Move Aside,” is the unwavering potential of tribal college students. Launching on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in partnership with Wieden+Kennedy Portland, the campaign shines a light on the growing number of Native Americans with college degrees (more than 300,000) while centering on and celebrating the Indigenous experience.
American Indian College Fund Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day—With A New PSA
Our scholars graduate and innovate in every facet of American society—as healthcare providers, senators, business executives, NASA rocket scientists, and more. They are leaders, mentors, and future changemakers. When you make room for tomorrow’s Indigenous graduates, you support the future. When you become a friend and ally of Native people, you legitimize our place in the world.
Little Priest Tribal College President Manoj Patil Announced as Aspen New Presidents Fellow 2022-23
This article originally appeared on the Aspen Institute. Manoj Patil immigrated to the United States on January 1, 2001, to continue his higher education. After graduating with his master’s degree in May 2002, Patil joined Western Iowa Tech Community College...
The American Indian College Fund Announces 2023-24 Student Ambassadors
The American Indian College Fund named 11 Native students to the 2023-24 cohort of its Student Ambassador Program. Students named to the program are trained in leadership and communications skills to create greater visibility of Native Americans and generate an understanding of the importance of their diverse cultures.
American Indian College Fund Faculty Fellowships Develop Teaching and Research Expertise at Tribal Colleges and Universities
The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) awarded fellowships totaling $213,500 to 12 tribal college and university (TCU) faculty and staff in the spring of 2023. These fellowships support faculty pursuing graduate credits, master’s, or doctoral degrees. The College Fund’s faculty fellowship programs are creating greater education expertise in Indian Country, while building the academic and intellectual capacity of the 35 tribal colleges and universities it supports.
In Memoriam: Dr. Verna Fowler
With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of our friend, advocate, leader, and teacher, Dr. Verna Fowler, the founding President of the College of Menominee Nation (CMN).
In Memory: Robbie Robertson, Native Musician and College Fund Supporter
The team at the American Indian College Fund was saddened to learn of legendary musician Robbie Robertson’s passing. Mr. Robertson was the son of a Cayuga and Mohawk mother and lived on the Six Nations Reserve in Canada southwest of Toronto during his youth.
