Chapter 9: Pathways of Support for Indigenous Students: Understanding the Role of Tribal College and Universities and Other Native Serving Institutions

Education for Indigenous students in the United States has historical trauma and failed domestic policies (Boyer, 1995). Historically, formal education occurred at Boarding Schools whose philosophy was harmful in preserving Indigenous culture and language (Deloria & Wildcat, 2001). While this historical trauma is now at the collective forefront, it is important to acknowledge the harmful history of American education and its impacts on Indigenous students (Crazy Bull & White Hat, 2019). This chapter explores the history of United States education and its impact on Indigenous communities and the growth and support of Indigenous-based learning.

Within today’s higher education system, there are two types of institutions serving Indigenous Students: Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTI) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU). Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions have an Indigenous enrollment of greater than 10% and are not considered a Tribal College or University (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). These institutions are not organized by tribes but instead serve a population of American Indian and Alaskan Native students (U.S. Department of Education, 2022). There are approximately 100 Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions.