Big Sky Connection - Native American advocates say Indigenous people remain disenfranchised in many ways. Leaders of the nation's tribal colleges and universities say boosting higher education within these populations can help reduce barriers. They say one way to help is to show up at the polls. Comments from Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO, American Indian College Fund; and Jacob McArthur, economic development director, White Earth Tribal Government.
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Mike Moen
October 27, 2022
Montana is home to seven tribal colleges and universities. Higher education leaders for Indigenous populations say they hope to see strong turnout for the midterms, as it could help them elevate the pathways of more students.
Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, said because most of these schools are on reservations, they cannot rely on state support, only federal funding. She hopes to see voters research candidates who would make more funding a priority, so the schools could have a more firm financial footing.
"We need people in Congress who support Native higher education," Crazy Bull asserted. "So that we can get the kinds of resources that we need."
She noted additional support could also help address gaps in Native students seeking financial aid. During the pandemic, Congress has provided emergency relief to tribal colleges. But leaders testified before federal lawmakers their funding levels per student remain inadequate, typically falling below the authorized level of $9,000.
In Minnesota, Jacob McArthur is the economic development director for the White Earth Tribal Government. He attended his area's community college before moving on to a mainstream university.
He said tribal schools, sometimes called TCUs, serve as a great bridge, especially for nontraditional students, whether they finish at another school or fill needed roles within their community.
"Our TCUs are really important for workforce development," McArthur emphasized. "It isn't just about the two-year degree and putting you on the pathway towards a four-year degree."
According to the Gallup Purdue index, nearly 75% of tribal college alumni said they were employed in areas related to American Indian communities or tribal lands, and many work directly with their tribe.
October 27, 2022
By Mike Moen - Producer, Contact
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References
Citation: Alumni study American Indian College Fund March 2020
