See All Posts
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) stand as beacons of hope, exemplifying the resilience and determination of Native American communities to define their educational pathways and sustain their sovereign rights. These institutions not only provide culturally relevant education but also serve as important centers for community engagement, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship.
A TCU is an educational institution chartered by a Native tribe that maintains, preserves, and restores Native languages and cultural traditions, offers high-quality college education, and provides career and technical education opportunities. According to the American Indian College Fund, all TCUs must meet three criteria: being chartered and run by a federally recognized tribe; having a board of trustees that is majority Native American; and having Native American students account for at least 51 percent of enrollees.
These institutions are known for their culturally relevant programs and higher education opportunities in workforce development, native arts and history, as well as degree programs found at other institutions of higher education. Often located on or near reservation lands, TCUs play a crucial role in supporting Native American communities by providing educational opportunities while aiming to fulfill the mission of tribal self-determination and service to their respective communities.
Our forthcoming report, A Profile of Tribal Colleges and Universities, details many examples of TCUs prioritizing preservation and revitalization. The report is part of a series, along with two parallel profiles on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The series was developed to help providers of services better understand the needs of these institutions. The profiles are based on current literature, government and advocacy organization publications, and conversations with faculty, staff, and students. A special emphasis of this series of profiles is opportunities and challenges of digital learning at each institutional type.
What are TCUs?
The first tribal college, Navajo Community College, now called Diné College, was founded in 1968. There are now 37 TCUs, with more institutions seeking to achieve TCU status in the future.
It is important to note that, despite being operated by the tribes, TCUs do not restrict enrollment to tribal members. In fact, TCUs provide critical access to higher education in areas that would otherwise be designated as education deserts. About 20 percent of students at TCUs are not affiliated with a tribe and do not identify as Native American or American Indian.
Many TCUs offer flexible learning options, such as evening classes, online courses, and part-time programs, to accommodate the needs of students who may have other responsibilities, such as work or family obligations. Additionally, TCUs offer tailored support for students who may face academic challenges due to historical inequities or language barriers.
Because of their relatively small size in terms of enrollments, TCUs offer smaller class sizes and closer faculty-student relationships, leading to stronger support and guidance for students. TCUs also tend to connect students with indigenous faculty, staff, and community leaders who serve as role models and mentors, providing guidance and inspiration.
In addition to supportive learning environments, TCUs offer curriculums that align with tribal values and goals. They often connect learning to the land and traditional ecological knowledge, promoting environmental stewardship and cultural understanding.
Preservation
Language is the heart of tribal colleges: TCUs play a vital role in preserving and revitalizing indigenous languages and traditions, strengthening both cultural identity and community cohesion. To achieve this, TCUs integrate indigenous knowledge, languages, and perspectives into their academic programs, fostering a sense of cultural connection and validation for students.
Tribal college students have a wide range of choices regarding degree types and disciplines to support their learning about their heritage. TCUs offer certificates in tribal management, native languages, native legal studies, native arts, and gaming and casino management. They also offer bachelor’s degrees in Native American studies, tribal management, native environmental sciences, native land and forest management, and tribal historic preservation and museum studies. And it doesn’t stop there: Advanced degrees include a master’s degree in Diné culture, language, and leadership, as well as a masters’ degree in Lakota leadership and management.
Because they are often chartered by individual tribes or affiliated tribes in a particular region, TCUs tend to have strong ties to the local Native American communities. This engagement helps build a sense of community and support for students, both academically and personally. TCUs encourage students to engage with their communities through service projects, tribal governance, and advocacy efforts, fostering future leaders. TCU graduates are encouraged and celebrated for giving back to their tribal community.
Revitalization
Revitalization looks ahead to future generations. Decisions made today regarding revitalization will ripple through future generations, determining their well-being.
According to TCU advocates and professionals Cheryl CrazyBull and Justin Guillory, TCUs have been the catalyst for revitalization efforts in Native American communities: “They became institutions in which tribal social norms, traditional practices, and kinship are revitalized in ways that are representative of the functional societies of our tribal past. TCUs believe that the social burdens experienced by our communities can be ameliorated by cultural restoration.”
By educating and training the next generation of medical professionals, legal professionals, activists, artists, business leaders, journalists, and scientists, TCUs are at the forefront of ensuring the continued and future well-being of tribal peoples, tribal lands, and tribal cultures.
Pioneering approaches that honor tradition
TCUs are increasing enrollment numbers and expanding campus facilities. Not only is the AI/AN population growing but so is the TCU population. What began as one tribal college in 1968 grew in 1973 to a coalition of six tribal colleges that formed the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and expanded again in 1994 through the Equity in Educational Land-Grant Status Act of 1994 to 26 colleges.
TCUs are pioneering innovative approaches that honor traditional knowledge systems while embracing modern technologies. This dual commitment ensures that indigenous students can access quality education without compromising their cultural identity.
The journey of TCUs, from their founding moments to their current achievements, is a testament to the power of education as a tool for cultural preservation and societal revitalization. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to support and learn from these institutions as they navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead, with the ultimate goal of honoring the past, enriching the present, and envisioning a sustainable future for all.
Editor’s note: The material in this article is excerpted and adapted from A Profile of Tribal Colleges and Universities, which was written by Joseph Rendon, an undergraduate student at Fort Lewis College, and Patricia O’Sullivan, Manager of Content Development and Special Projects at Every Learner Everywhere.
Learn about Sustaining Indigenous Culture: Using OER to Design Authentic Learning Experiences