The Tribally Controlled Indian Colleges PDF Download

Drawing from site visits conducted over a 2-year period, this study report assesses the current status of the 24 tribally controlled colleges in the United States. A foreword by Ernest L. Boyer summarizes the major study findings, including the following: (1) at almost all of the colleges, salaries were too low, libraries were underfunded, and budgets were inadequate; (2) in addition to conventional college curricula to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions, the colleges offered programs for older students, transition programs for re-entry students, and enrichment programs for high school students; and (3) at the heart of the tribal college movement is a commitment by Native Americans to reclaim their cultural heritage. Chapter 1 provides a brief history of tribal colleges and notes four characteristics common to all of the institutions. First, tribal colleges establish a learning environment that encourages participation and builds self-confidence in students who have come to view failure as the norm. Second, tribal colleges celebrate and help sustain Native American traditions. Third, they provide essential community services, and, fourth, they serve as centers for research and scholarship. Chapter 2 traces the history of Native American "mis-education," noting the negative role played in the past by boarding schools. Chapter 3 provides a profile of the 24 tribal colleges in terms of educational philosophy, curriculum, enrollment, students, governance, faculty, physical facilities, and funding. In chapter 4, the role of these institutions within their local communities is discussed, with respect to cultural change, health care, and economic empowerment. Chapter 5 considers their role in building communities and rebuilding a sense of heritage. Finally, chapter 6 presents a series of recommendations for ensuring educational quality and tribal renewal. A list of tribally controlled colleges is appended. (AYC)