The lives of tribal people emerge from the stories of creation and teachings about how to be in relationships. For tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) the essence of who they are can be seen in how tribal institutions were created and in how they deliver their missions every day. Over decades of interaction with American education systems,…

Tribal colleges seek to approach education from the perspective of American Indian people and create an educational experience that promotes tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Indigenous studies--its mission, teaching strategies, curricular focus, research, and academic and community engagement--makes it possible for tribal colleges to…

Indigenous education and philosophy are rooted in the concept of "relationality" -- the relatedness of all things -- within the framework of place-based experiences and knowledge. This article focuses on tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) in the United States -- in particular, on their dedication to land use and preservation,…

Governance at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) affirms the connection between the sovereignty of tribal nations and regional accreditation standards. Shared governance, where faculty, administrators, and trustees all contribute to oversight and decision-making, is a central component at TCUs and has unique implications for tribal…

For over 40 years, tribal colleges and universities have devised innovative programs to address behavioral and tribal health. Cheryl Crazy Bull, president and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, looks back at the progress made and details current strategies and initiatives.

It is noted that Native American tribal colleges are as diverse as the tribes themselves but do have common concerns and interests. A tribally controlled accreditation agency is proposed as a way of acknowledging the unique circumstances and services of these institutions as well as their commitment to tribal ownership and promotion of standards…

Discusses the benefits and means of implementing a Tribal Code of Education, which establishes a framework for accountability for schools within a tribe's jurisdiction and ensures that tribal children receive a quality education. Describes the development and implementation of such a code, addressing problems that may be encountered, such as lack…

Sinte Gleska University's (SGU) model for community development includes transformation of an old boarding school site, community-based collaborations in gardening and nutrition, and a bison restoration project. Tribal members learn to work with the land in harmony with tribal stewardship models as well as Western land use and agricultural…

Describes results of survey distributed to the American Indian Higher Education Consortium's 31 colleges. Findings from the 11 who responded indicate that both faculty and students conduct educational, scientific, and cultural (including local tribal communities) research, using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. (YKH)

Discusses issues of native research and scholarship including research agendas, research methodology, recognizing and supporting community scholars, tribal regulation of research, the language of research, communicating research results, evaluating research, and the tribal college's role in research and scholarship. (15 citations) (YKH)

Discusses the rationale for tribal colleges creating their own accreditation standards. Indicates that although contemporary standards are generally tolerable, tribal colleges are evaluated against standards and expectations foreign to tribal environments and needs. Suggests that spirituality, social systems, governance, economics, language, and…