A resolution designating the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week".
This is a non-binding Senate resolution designating the week beginning February 3, 2025, as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.” The resolution recognizes that there are 34 Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) operating on more than 90 campuses across 16 states, and notes that these institutions are either tribally chartered or federally chartered. It highlights that TCUs serve students from over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes and emphasize education rooted in Indigenous languages, cultures, and values, while also providing access to higher education for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and others in geographically isolated or economically depressed areas. The resolution encourages the public and organizations to observe the week with activities and programs that demonstrate support for TCUs. As a procedural measure, this is a symbolic designation (a Senate resolution) and does not create new law or authorize funding. Its purpose is to raise national awareness and show bipartisan support for TCUs and their missions.
Key Points
- 1Designates the week of February 3, 2025, as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.”
- 2Acknowledges the existence and role of 34 TCUs on over 90 campuses in 16 states, and their status as tribally or federally chartered institutions.
- 3Emphasizes TCUs’ missions to provide culturally grounded education, including Indigenous languages, that benefits Indian communities and the United States as a whole.
- 4Notes TCUs provide access to higher education for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and others in isolated or economically depressed areas, and that they are accredited and open to Native and non-Native students.
- 5Encourages the public and interested groups to observe the week with activities and programs to show support for TCUs.