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 Hosts Fifth Annual Tribal College Research Convening
The American Indian College Fund is a leader in sponsoring tribal college and university (TCU) research about higher education in American Indian and Alaska Native communities and providing avenues for collecting and disseminating research.
Language and Culture: Gifts that Keep on Giving
My love for the Salish language was fostered at a young age. Driving with my Sile (grandfather), he would point at things and teach me new Salish words, feeding my passion.
After my Sile passed on, my brother took on the role of teaching me the language.
Empowering Children with Special Needs — A Teacher’s Passion
As a mother of five children, my fourth-born son, was measurably behind reaching milestone after milestone. Knowing not all children develop at the same pace, it got harder to watch him struggle as he got older. The inefficacy in his education was apparent. I was disappointed by the anxiety school caused him with no resolution.
College Fund Names Five Tribal College Grantees for ECE Program
Research has shown that children of color are more likely to succeed when they have a teacher of the same race. Yet Native American children are much more likely to have a white teacher than a Native teacher.
Study Explores Public Perceptions of Native People
We are excited to share the groundbreaking research findings and messaging guidelines from “Reclaiming Native Truth: A Project to Dispel America’s Myths and Misconceptions.” Chery Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, participated as an advisory committee member.
Statement on Forced Separation of Immigrant Children from Their Families
American Indians know the inter-generational psychological trauma that follows when children are removed from their families. Native children were forcibly taken from their parents by the U.S. government and were forced to attend boarding schools far away, losing their language, culture, and family ties, creating deep wounds.
Building Sustainability Through Cultural Revival
Envisioning a sustainable community can be a difficult and complex task. Students at Sisseton Wahpeton College (SWC) are learning about how to handle it with ease, however, including defining, envisioning, and building sustainability for future generations.
College Fund Launches LGBTQ Awareness Initiative with Webinar Series
The American Indian College Fund created the LGBTQ webinar series to provide a resource for all tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) on awareness and understanding of campus climate, identity, and current College Fund initiatives.
Place-Based Learning as a Framework for Building Native Student Success
This is a collaborative series developed by the College Fund’s Environmental Sustainability, Native Arts and Early Childhood Education program initiatives. This is the first blog of a six-part series focused on place-based education.
Teamwork Helps Tohono O’odham Students Make College a Reality
A team of staff at Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) and local high schools, led by Daniel Sestiaga Jr. at TOCC, has helped nearly 100 students prepare for and college success thanks to a grant from the American Indian College Fund and AT&T.
