In the 1970s, Congress pledged to fund a higher education system controlled by Indigenous communities, with the goal of serving students who had been historically disadvantaged by the nation’s mistreatment of Native Americans. This commitment led to the establishment of tribal colleges and universities, intended to address the impact of violence, racism, and cultural erasure experienced by Native communities.
However, a recent visit to Little Big Horn College in Montana with Emerson Bull Chief, the dean of academics, revealed the significant challenges that tribal colleges continue to face. The campus was in disrepair, with buildings suffering from leaks, structural damage, and other maintenance issues. Despite being one of the better-maintained schools in the system, Little Big Horn College struggled to address these issues due to a lack of funding.
The 37 tribal colleges across 14 states are collectively underfunded by approximately a quarter-billion dollars per year, even when adjusted for inflation. This chronic lack of funding has led to deteriorating infrastructure, outdated academic programs, and a shortage of qualified instructors. The federal Bureau of Indian Education, responsible for requesting funding for these institutions, has consistently failed to advocate for the necessary financial support, leaving tribal colleges in a state of financial instability.
President Joe Biden has acknowledged the importance of tribal colleges and universities, but funding increases under his administration have been insufficient to address the long-standing financial neglect. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium, which advocates for tribal colleges, has also fallen short in requesting adequate funding, asking for far less than what the law mandates the colleges are entitled to receive.
Despite these challenges, tribal colleges play a vital role in preserving Native languages, providing access to high-speed internet, and offering a supportive learning environment for Native students. Many tribal colleges are the only institutions teaching endangered Indigenous languages and serve as important community resources.
The ongoing financial struggles faced by tribal colleges underscore a broader pattern of neglect and broken promises by the federal government towards Indigenous communities. The failure to fully fund tribal colleges reflects a systemic issue of underfunding and a lack of accountability to Native populations.
Efforts to address the funding disparities faced by tribal colleges have been hampered by a lack of awareness and understanding among lawmakers. While some members of Congress have advocated for increased funding, tribal colleges continue to fall behind in critical infrastructure and academic resources.
Despite these challenges, tribal colleges remain a cornerstone of Indigenous education and cultural preservation. The dedication of college leaders, faculty, and students to overcoming financial obstacles highlights the resilience and importance of tribal colleges in supporting Native communities.