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

Mataya Oakland: From A Young Salish HiSET Student to a Thriving Business Owner

Mataya Oakland: From A Young Salish HiSET Student to a Thriving Business Owner

Mataya Oakland, a young Native Salish entrepreneur, rises early each morning, arriving with her coffee trailer in front of Pablo Foods by 6:30 a.m., just in time to serve the steady stream of early morning commuters on their way to work. Mataya isn’t your typical barista. At just 17 years old, she owns her own business, The Bean Machine.

Support Native-Led Nonprofits! 

Support Native-Led Nonprofits! 

In this message from American Indian College Fund President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull, National Native Nonprofit Day (May 21) highlights the importance of supporting Native-led nonprofits. Despite their impact, these organizations receive a small share of philanthropy. Learn how investing in Native-led solutions helps create lasting, positive change in Native communities.

SIPI Students Gain Valuable Skills as Early Childhood Education Interns

SIPI Students Gain Valuable Skills as Early Childhood Education Interns

The Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), a continued recipient of the American Indian College Fund’s Indigenous Early Childhood-funded initiatives, has had great success with student interns. Blossom Tsosie, from Kinlichee, Arizona, attends SIPI, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)