Tribal Colleges: A Beacon of Education and Cultural Preservation Amid Uncertain Funding

Mon Nov 17 2025 19:56:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In light of recent challenges, tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) face funding uncertainties while serving as vital centers for Indigenous education and cultural heritage. Leaders express concerns over federal budget cuts and the need for cultural preservation.

As the U.S. government contemplates substantial cuts to funding for tribal colleges and universities, leaders in Indigenous education emphasize the critical role these institutions play in preserving culture and knowledge. While recent funding increases offer some relief, concerns over long-term financial stability persist amid broader governmental budget pressures. Community advocates highlight the importance of supporting Native education not only for academic growth but for the survival of traditional cultures and languages.

NEW TOWN, N.D. — On a chilly fall morning, Ruth De La Cruz walks through the Four Sisters Garden, searching for Hidatsa squash—a crop that represents her ancestors’ labor. De La Cruz's food sovereignty program at the Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College is one of many initiatives aiming to preserve the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples.

The garden honors the Hidatsa method of planting squash, corn, sunflowers, and beans together. However, the institution faces financial uncertainties as the Trump administration proposed significant funding cuts to tribal colleges across the U.S. This has raised alarms among tribal citizens who are already navigating the fallout of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Despite a recent increase in funding for tribal colleges, college leaders remain apprehensive about the reliability of future financial support. They argue that these institutions are essential not only for access to higher education but also for the culturally relevant education that nurtures Indigenous knowledge.

The U.S. Commitment to Native Education

The U.S. has a historic obligation to provide education and resources to Indigenous peoples as articulated through treaties and congressional acts. Twyla Baker, president of the college, emphasizes that the U.S. government has a responsibility to protect and promote the cultures and knowledge systems of Native peoples.

In September, the Department of Education announced a funding increase for tribal colleges, countering President Trump's proposed cuts. However, this boost came at the potential expense of funding for other educational institutions serving Indigenous students. Advocates stress that the right to education extends beyond tribal colleges to encompass all educational avenues for Native students.

An Uncertain Funding Outlook

Ahniwake Rose, president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, has pointed out that while there are increases in some areas, vital federal grants for TCUs are still diminishing. Additionally, the historical context reveals that unlike other land grant universities, TCUs do not receive ongoing profits from tribal lands, which complicates their funding situation.

Despite receiving a funding boost, leaders such as Leander McDonald express concerns over the fragility of the financial environment, questioning the sustainability of their programs in light of ongoing budget cuts and federal workforce reductions.

Preservation of Culture through Education

For many students at TCUs, education is intertwined with cultural preservation. As programs evolve, students engage in learning that emphasizes traditional practices and languages, such as the Native American Studies program at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College. Zaysha Grinnell, a student, notes the unique educational experiences that enrich her understanding of her cultural heritage.

In a time marked by a government history of attempted cultural erasure, the trust responsibilities that the U.S. owes to Indigenous nations remain critical for ensuring the survival and continuation of Native traditions. Educational institutions are more than just places of learning; they are vital protectors of identity and culture.