NEW TOWN, N.D. (AP) — On a recent chilly fall morning, Ruth De La Cruz walked through the Four Sisters Garden, looking for Hidatsa squash. For college students in her food sovereignty program, the crop might serve as an assignment, but to her, it symbolizes the fruit of her ancestors’ labor.
The garden, honoring the Indigenous practice of growing squash, corn, sunflower, and beans together, is a crucial part of the educational mission at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College operated by the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation. This college, like many tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) across the U.S., faces harsh funding uncertainties following proposals for significant cuts by the Trump administration earlier this year.
“I feel as if I have a responsibility [to preserve knowledge],” said Twyla Baker, the college’s president. The U.S. government has a long-standing commitment, known as 'trust responsibilities', to uphold the education and welfare of Indigenous peoples as decreed in treaties.
Despite a welcomed increase in funding for TCUs, the overall atmosphere remains tense. Leaders express anxiety about the durability of these resources amid significant federal spending cuts affecting other educational institutions, particularly those serving Hispanic students.
Ahniwake Rose, president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, remarked, “Although the recent increase in funding is a relief, it comes amidst other alarming reductions in federal supports crucial to TCUs.” This precarious situation makes long-term planning a challenge for tribal colleges.
In light of historical disruptions to their cultural teachings, many Native American students believe TCUs play a vital role in sustaining their traditions and languages, unique learning experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.
The struggle for funding may continue, but the dedication to preserving Indigenous culture remains steadfast among these institutions, ensuring future generations of tribal citizens can access an education rooted in their heritage.
The garden, honoring the Indigenous practice of growing squash, corn, sunflower, and beans together, is a crucial part of the educational mission at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College operated by the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation. This college, like many tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) across the U.S., faces harsh funding uncertainties following proposals for significant cuts by the Trump administration earlier this year.
“I feel as if I have a responsibility [to preserve knowledge],” said Twyla Baker, the college’s president. The U.S. government has a long-standing commitment, known as 'trust responsibilities', to uphold the education and welfare of Indigenous peoples as decreed in treaties.
Despite a welcomed increase in funding for TCUs, the overall atmosphere remains tense. Leaders express anxiety about the durability of these resources amid significant federal spending cuts affecting other educational institutions, particularly those serving Hispanic students.
Ahniwake Rose, president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, remarked, “Although the recent increase in funding is a relief, it comes amidst other alarming reductions in federal supports crucial to TCUs.” This precarious situation makes long-term planning a challenge for tribal colleges.
In light of historical disruptions to their cultural teachings, many Native American students believe TCUs play a vital role in sustaining their traditions and languages, unique learning experiences that cannot be found elsewhere.
The struggle for funding may continue, but the dedication to preserving Indigenous culture remains steadfast among these institutions, ensuring future generations of tribal citizens can access an education rooted in their heritage.
