Tribal colleges preparing for more federal budget cuts

Rapid City, S.D. (KELO) –From colleges and universities, to nonprofits, federal budget cuts have a lot of people on edge.

The Bureau of Indian Education is not immune.

This week, students and staff from tribal colleges and universities from 15 states gathered in Rapid City.

In addition to celebrating student accomplishments, attendees are also thinking about the future.

“We’re planning, we’re not panicking, and so in relation to that is preparing. Preparing the college and administration for different types of transition of funds and resources, but also preparing students.” Oglala Lakota College President Dawn Frank said.

“Tribal Colleges were for our local communities and it’s also a trust and treaty obligation from the federal government to provide education to Indian people.” Sitting Bull College President Tomi Kay Phillips said. 

The school presidents say they’re worried about how federal cuts could impact faculty and programs, along with Pell grants and scholarships.

“So Tribal Colleges provide that access, especially in the areas that we are in. Because it’s so rural you know a lot of them, especially non-traditional students, they can’t uproot their family and go to college, so we provide the opportunity for them.” Frank said.

“When our students are educated and they graduate from our colleges and universities, they can get better jobs, they can make more money, and they lead productive lives.” Phillips said.

The United States is home to 35 accredited Tribal colleges and universities. You can find them in 15 states, including South Dakota.