Highlighting Tribal Colleges in Montana
Did you know that with seven, from east-west and north-south, Montana is uniquely home to more Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) than any other state? We will draw upon the rich contributions of these vibrant institutions to raise awareness of their work to advance knowledge and perpetuate the cultures of Montana’s indigenous people.
The Series
As part of its mission to advance the public purposes of colleges and universities and to educate students for civic and social responsibility, the Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) board seeks to raise awareness of the richness of indigenous knowledge in our state, and center the people and institutions who lead the movement here. With the understanding that an eight-hour series will only scratch the surface, we are hopeful to inspire people to learn more, seek out ways of supporting tribal colleges and their work to advance and preserve indigenous knowledge. Facilitated by Dr. Karla Bird (Pikuni), University of Montana Tribal Outreach Specialist and former president of Blackfeet Community College, this series will raise awareness of the histories, current offerings, and unique contributions of Aaniiih Nakoda College, Blackfeet Community College, Chief Dull Knife College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Bighorn College, Salish Kootenai College, and Stone Child College.
The Host
MTCC is a seventeen campus higher education consortium, and part of Campus Compact movement, whose institutions support the public missions of colleges and universities. MTCC was founded in 1993 and is hosted by the University of Montana in Missoula. MTCC has five active TCU member institutions, and our board is chaired by President Haven Gourneau from Fort Peck Community College. College presidents join Campus Compact and support work across the state and country that promotes community and democratic engagement, volunteerism and service, and community-engaged teaching and learning. Montana Campus Compact hosts two signature AmeriCorps programs, an anti-poverty focused AmeriCorps VISTA program and a college access and success focused AmeriCorps program.
This eight-part webinar series will run during February and March 2023 with weekly installments on Wednesdays at noon (MDT). Registration for the series will be covered via sponsorship, and attendees are encouraged instead to support via contributions to the institutions themselves, or the American Indian College Fund.
