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
Better Business Bureau Names American Indian College Fund A Charity for Juneteenth Donations
In recognition of Juneteenth being recognized as a federal holiday, the Better Business Bureau included the American Indian College Fund in its list of charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e. are BBB Accredited Charities) that address civil rights, free speech, legal rights, and related topics. The national charity watchdog also included a link to donation tips for supporters interested in supporting the College Fund and other organizations in recognition of the holiday.
American Indian College Fund Receives Unrestricted Gift from MacKenzie Scott Foundation
The College Fund learned the MacKenzie Scott Foundation, headed by the billionaire novelist and philanthropist of the same name and her husband Dan Jewett, selected it to receive an unrestricted gift. Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund said, “This gift is timely and pivotal because, in combination with the generosity of our network of current and future supporters, we now have the capacity to grow greater opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native communities and to create lasting change. MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett’s acknowledgement of our work is a testament to the important role of education to transform the lives of our students, their families, and communities.”
The College Fund is committed to eliminating the college attainment gap among Indigenous people and continues to appreciate and rely upon the support of every one of its current and future supporters to meet its goals to transform the lives of Indigenous students, their families, and their communities through a higher education.
Shaping the Future as We Move Forward
| 2021 E-NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 21, ISSUE 2 |Circle of Hope Shaping the Future as We Move Forward Today I write to you as someone who has been fully vaccinated, with hope and optimism that the worst of the COVID pandemic is finally behind us. While I know we’ve been...
Statement from Cheryl Crazy Bull About Mass Grave at Kamloops Indian Residential School
June 8, 2021, Denver, Colo.—The discovery of a mass grave containing the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in Canada has, once again, ignited the trauma of Indigenous people across North America.
Congratulations to Our Graduates
On behalf of the American Indian College Fund, we congratulate American Indian and Alaska Native college graduates. Your persistence while confronting a year that was like no other demonstrated your strength and will to succeed. Your commitment is an inspiration to your families, your communities, and all of us. Your ancestors are proud of you. We see you, we honor your achievements, and we wish you the best of everything in the futures that await you. Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO, American Indian College Fund
Spring Resurgence: GED classrooms open to students
The Oglala Lakota College Community Continuing Education/GED department is slowly transitioning out of online-only programming as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic lessen. Now more than one GED student at a time can be in the college centers, as long as there is still only one student and tutor per classroom.
College Fund and Its Scholars Share How—and Why—to Make Higher Ed More Accessible for Native Students
American Indian College Fund scholars Samantha Maltais, Tori McConnell, and other Native American college students and alumni weigh in on what mainstream higher education institutions can do to make reparations for taking Native land.
Cheryl Crazy Bull to Speak about Education Access at CARE Tuesday Talk June 1
Cheryl Crazy Bull will join a national conversation about the importance of promoting women and girls’ access to education, hosted by CARE. We hope you will join us for the CARE Tuesday Talk on Tuesday, June 1, at 12 noon EDT. The event is free and open to the public....
Book Review: Moon of the Crusted Snow
“Think Indian” Book Club Book Review: Moon of the Crusted Snow This blog post is the first in an upcoming series of book reviews of the American Indian College Fund’s (College Fund) “Think Indian” Book Club selections. Each blog will focus on a “Think Indian” Book...
Read the Think Indian Book Club Past Selections!
Looking for a good read? The Think Indian Book Club recommends these titles for your own book group or personal reading pleasure.
