Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".
H. Res. 97 is a non-binding House resolution introduced by Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS) in the 119th Congress. It expresses formal support for designating a National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week for the week beginning February 3, 2025, and urges the public and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities. The resolution is ceremonial in nature and does not authorize new funding or create new programs. The resolution also highlights the role and impact of Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs): there are 34 TCUs on more than 90 campuses in 16 states; they hold tribal or federal charters and have a unique relationship with the federal government. TCUs serve students from over 230 federally recognized tribes, preserve and teach indigenous languages and cultural traditions, provide access to higher education for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and residents in isolated and economically distressed areas, and are accredited institutions preparing students for the global workforce. It notes that approximately 13 percent of TCU students are non-Indian and calls for national recognition of their collective mission and achievements.
Key Points
- 1The resolution designates the week of February 3, 2025, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week and urges observance with appropriate activities and programs.
- 2There are 34 Tribal colleges and universities operating on more than 90 campuses across 16 states.
- 3TCUs hold tribal or federal charters and have a unique relationship with the U.S. federal government.
- 4TCUs serve students from more than 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes and focus on education that incorporates Indigenous languages and cultural values.
- 5TCUs provide accredited, high-quality postsecondary education and open enrollment, with about 13 percent of students being non-Indian.