TCU leaders remain wary of federal commitments despite funding increase

Leaders at tribal colleges and universities say they remain uncertain about long-term federal support, even after the U.S. Department of Education announced a funding increase of more than 100% earlier this year, according to the Associated Press.

Ruth De La Cruz, who teaches in the food sovereignty program at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, said the work reflects the knowledge her ancestors protected. The college is operated by the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. President Twyla Baker said those teachings are part of the government’s trust responsibilities to tribal nations. “We prepaid for all of this,” she was quoted as saying.

The increase coincides with funding decreases in other federal agencies that support tribal colleges and universities, said Ahniwake Rose, president of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. She said vacant tribal liaison positions and proposed federal workforce cuts add to the pressure. United Tribes Technical College President Leander McDonald said the uncertainty makes it difficult to plan new programs or hire staff. “How long is the storm going to last?” he was quoted as saying.