Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)
This week, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Tom Cole (R-OK-04), co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, introduced bipartisan legislation designating this week as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.” The resolution recognizes the importance of these institutions to the economic, educational, and social well-being of Indian Country.
“Tribal Colleges and Universities, including Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, provide unique educational opportunities for Native and non-Native students, and support the communities they serve through entrepreneurial and equivalency programs,” said Representative ShariceDavids (D-KS-03). “These institutions are critical because they develop our workforce capacity with knowledge and skills grounded in cultural traditions and values. I am proud to join Representative Cole in leading this legislation.”
“The College of Muscogee Nation in Oklahoma, and all Tribal universities throughout our nation, offer a high-quality education, while also making it their mission to maintain, preserve, and restore Native languages and cultural traditions,” said Representative Tom Cole (R-OK-04). “With that being said, I am proud to join Representative Davids in leading this legislation to give Tribal Colleges and Universities the recognition they deserve.”
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are not only centers of learning, but powerful economic engines for Native communities and the nation. In fiscal years 2022 through 2023, TCU alumni contributed $3.8 billion to the national economy, supporting more than 40,700 jobs nationwide. For every dollar invested in TCUs during that period, students gained $7.50 in lifetime earnings, taxpayers saw $1.60 in added tax revenue and public-sector savings, and society gained $4.80 in added income and social savings.
This resolution recognizes the 34 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities, which serve students from more than 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes, operating on 90 campuses across 16 states. Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House in each of the previous seven years.