Marshall McKay, Tribal Chairman Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

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1 The generations coming up hold the future of our families and of tribal sovereignty in their hands and they must be well prepared to take on many roles. It is our obligation today to empower them with accessible and relevant education for tomorrow. Marshall McKay, Tribal Chairman Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

2 california language areas language families Athapascan Algonquian Hokan Penutian Uto-Aztecan Yukian Other 1

3 tribal college history The first tribal college was created in 1968 by Native Americans for Native Americans, when the Navajo Nation established the Navajo Community College, now known as Diné College. Today, there are 37 tribal colleges and universities serving more than 27,000 Native Americans in 14 states and Canada. Currently, California does not have an existing, functioning tribal college. Why We Need a Tribal College in California Every Native American student needs and deserves a culturally nurturing educational experience. These students are, after all, our future leaders. Most school systems focus on assimilating their student bodies into mainstream society, preparing them to become successful in that realm. And, not surprisingly, many students and parents are reluctant to support an education in schools that does not acknowledge or strengthen tribal self-understanding and identity. The college enrollment of Native Americans and Alaska Natives living in California dropped by almost one third between A tribally controlled college will promote access to higher education opportunities while incorporating tribal histories, cultures and languages as a critical part of its mission. Strong tribal and educational leadership and guidance, combined with supportive cultural foundations and student identities, will help to produce literate, scholarly, culturally well-grounded students who are able to attend college and develop professional careers. In turn, these students are more likely to give back to their communities and support tribal government and cultural continuity. There has never been a better time to establish the California Tribal College California has the largest population of Native Americans compared to any other state, yet despite past efforts, there is not one functioning tribal college in California today. With funding from supportive foundations, grants and the federal government, we can bridge the divide by promoting access to higher education while incorporating tribal histories, cultures and languages as a critical bedrock. It is our hope that the California Tribal College (CTC) will do just this, and create opportunities for our people to grow, succeed and thrive well into the future. 2

4 facts & figures According to the U.S. Census, Native Americans have lower educational attainment rates than persons from other racial/ethnic backgrounds, and the numbers are even lower for those who live on reservations. In addition, universities across the country have disproportionately low rates of retention among Native American students, and the number of bachelorʼs degrees granted to Native students is lower than their numbers in the population overall might indicate. Source: State of American Indian and Alaska Natives Education in California Report poverty rates: american indians/alaska natives (ai/an) & the State of California This chart shows that Native people in California have a poverty rate of about 18%, which is 4% higher than the state average of 14%. Source: American Community Survey, Percent of People Below Poverty Level in the Past 12 Months 3

5 High School Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity in California About 68% of California Natives received a high school diploma in , which is 7% lower than the state average. Source: News release by California Department of Education & Superintendent Tom Torlakson, June 27, 2012 College Entrance Requirements by Race/Ethnicity in California Of the 68% of California Natives who graduated from high school, only 27% completed University of California/California State University entrance requirements, the lowest of any race/ethnicity. Source: California Department of Education, Educational Demographics Office, as of February 2,

6 Tribal Colleges Positively Impact Indian Country California Native American youth face many barriers when pursuing higher education. The opportunity to attend the CTC will bring value to each tribal community. Meeting the demand for educated professionals. Assisting tribal communities in economic development, job creation and research. Providing centers for life-long education, community service and institutions where tribe-specific research can take place. Having the unique mission of teaching and learning how to preserve tribal cultures, histories and languages. Sustaining, improving and increasing the socio-economic well-being of tribal leadership. Building and strengthening our nations to support and facilitate tribal leadership. Successes of Tribal Colleges in Other States Tribal colleges do not just help individuals achieve personal educational goals, they strengthen tribal communities. Studies show they also stimulate tribal economies by creating jobs, developing a tribal workforce, fostering small business creation and improving management practices. Anniiih Nakoda College (formerly Fort Belknap College) developed a Global Information Systems/Global Positioning Systems (GIS/GPS) program and provided training to students for monitoring historic and cultural sites. The Institute of American Indian Arts created a resource education program focused on American Indian food, fiber and natural resource systems. The Salish Kootenai College developed the Tribal Business Assistance Center, which provides technical assistance, training and start-up grants to Native Americans who want to start small businesses. Northwest Indian College was granted accreditation and approved as a bachelor s degree granting institution. 5

7 California Tribal College (CTC) Accomplishments Beginning in 2009, an intense effort was undertaken to educate tribes and Native organizations of the need for a tribal college in California. Our mission is to promote greater access to higher education opportunities while striving to renew, teach and preserve tribal culture, history, policy and language. While we still have much to do, we have made significant strides. Met with numerous tribes and tribal organizations to gather support and conducted several leadership workshops. Met with colleges/universities to discuss partnerships, including UC Davis, Woodland Community College, Kaplan University, University of Phoenix, CSU San Marcos and DeVry University. Began developing a certificate program and started working with CSU San Marcos on a partnership for the certificate programs. Met with consultants and organizations to develop a business plan, timeline, strategic plan and capital campaign for CTC. Received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Created bylaws. Approved an interim Board of Regents. Goldman Sachs donated $290,000 toward a feasibility study to determine the needs for the CTC. Received a five-year commitment from Seven Post Investment for $150,000 toward the development of the CTC. Successfully completed several fundraisers and received donations totaling more than half a million dollars. Received more than 40 tribal resolutions from tribal organizations and agencies. Hired consultants to conduct the CTC Feasibility Study. Programs Certificate programs are under development in partnership with CSU San Marcos. The certificate program will assist tribal members in understanding the governmental aspects of their tribal councils. Topics under discussion include: California Indian Policies Roberts Rules of Order Federal Indian Law Cultural Competency Cultural Monitoring 6

8 structure The CTC was developed with a governance structure that would ensure the development and operational control would always remain within California tribes that wish to participate. The governance structure that has been developed and adopted, outlines the following: An eight-member interim Board of Regents has been approved, which governs the CTC. An application was submitted and approved for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This means anyone donating to the CTC may be able to claim their donation on income taxes. As a nonprofit, the CTC qualifies for additional grant funding. The CTC will be governed by California tribes through delegates chosen by individual tribal governments. These delegates will be members of the CTC Leadership Council. Every California tribe has the ability to participate in the CTC governance structure. CTC ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE northern Region central Region southern Region CTC Leadership Members All Regions $1,000 Annual Membership Dues Elects Representatives to the Leadership Council CTC Leadership council All Regions Elects Regents (by regions) CTC board of regents CTC President 9 Seats 6 Leadership / 3 At Large At Large seats are appointed by the 6 Leadership Regents Term = 3 Years Limit = 2 Consecutive Years Staggered Group 1, 2, 3 Bylaws Art. V. Section 3 (d) 7

9 Join the Effort to Build the California Tribal College Your community can assist the college by: Adopting a tribal resolution or letter of support A resolution or letter of support shows that you understand the importance of educating future generations. Appointing a tribal delegate to serve on the CTC Leadership Council By designating a delegate who can vote on your behalf and submitting a tribal resolution or letter of support, your community will be kept informed and will be involved in the process. Attending CTC Leadership Council meetings Your representatives will be invited to attend meetings on behalf of your tribe. Volunteering to assist in CTC fundraising efforts and educational meetings There are many opportunities to volunteer. The CTC not only needs human support, but financial support. Whether you have experience in fundraising or not, your skills can be put to use. Please send correspondence and inquiries to: Crystal Blue, CTC Coordinator California Tribal College P.O. Box 216 Brooks, California ctcinfo@yochadehe-nsn.gov Learn about the latest CTC efforts: 8

10 SAMPLE TRIBAL COUNCIL RESOLUTION Supporting the development of a California Tribal College WHEREAS, the (the Tribe ); is a sovereign tribe, federally recognized as, WHEREAS, the Tribe supports the development of a tribal college designed to serve Native Americans; and WHEREAS, the Tribe believes that the establishment of a California Tribal College will improve the overall health of the tribal community as a whole; and WHEREAS, the Tribe wishes to partner with the California Tribal College to create the best possible educational resources for Native Americans; and WHEREAS, several options exist for delivering education, including a traditional school campus, satellite classes, and the use of technology for online courses; and WHEREAS, working together, tribes located in California possess the knowledge, skills, and wisdom to successfully develop, build, and operate a tribal college; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Tribal College, in partnership with other tribes. hereby endorses a certification The foregoing resolution was adopted by a vote of for and against and abstentions, at a meeting of the Tribal Council, at which a quorum was present, on the day of, This resolution is valid unless rescinded. 9

11 CALIFORNIA TRIBAL COLLEGE certificate of appointment The, pursuant to its authority as a sovereign nation, and by a duly authorized resolution, #, hereby appoints to act as the representative of the NAME OF DELEGATE Per the authority of the, to the California Tribal College Leadership Council. NAME OF DELEGATE is authorized to attend and participate in meetings and activities of the California Tribal College Leadership Council which serves in an advisory role for the California Tribal College Board of Regents. Further, NAME OF DELEGATE shall agree to abide by the Bylaws and all procedural rules governing the California Tribal College Leadership Council, and further agrees to give regular reports on the progress of the California Tribal College to the. shall also carry forward the recommendations of the Tribal College Leadership Council. NAME OF DELEGATE to the California Duly Signed CHAIRPERSON TRIBE/RANCHERIA DATE