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

Honoring The Old and New

Honoring the Old and the New As we begin the new year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your friendship and support in the 2018-2019 school year. We were able to provide nearly 4,000 Native students with scholarships. I see a very bright year ahead, thanks to...

Tribal Colleges and Universities: Building Nations, Revitalizing Identity

Tribal Colleges and Universities: Building Nations, Revitalizing Identity

Tribal colleges and universities are unlike any other higher education institution. Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, wanted to tell the story of how these remarkable institutions serving Indian reservation communities provide an education to the nation’s most underserved student population—while also supporting the process of rebuilding tribal identity and tribal nations.

What Cannot Be Taken from Me

What Cannot Be Taken from Me

Growing up, my parents always taught me that my education is the most important accomplishment in life. My mother never graduated from high school, so she has always pushed my siblings and I to never give up. Now that we are adults and are attending college, my parents are still our motivation.

The Past, The Future… And The Present

Happy Native American Heritage Month to you!
As we once again take the time to look back and honor our ancestors while at the same time keeping a watchful eye on the future, I find my thoughts drawn to the present.