WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a bipartisan group of 22 senators in passing a resolution unanimously in the Senate recognizing the week of February 11, 2018, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.
The resolution recognizes the unique and critically important role these institutions of higher education play in supporting Native students. It commemorates the important work of educators, students, and higher education professionals at Tribal colleges and universities, which operate on more than 75 different campuses throughout Indian Country. Thousands of students enroll each year in the Tribal colleges located in New Mexico: the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, and the Shiprock and Crownpoint campuses of Diné College.
“Tribal colleges and universities are helping thousands of Native students in New Mexico and across the country access a high-quality education that will help them gain the skills they need to succeed after graduation while embracing their Native language and culture,” said Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “These schools provide students with strong opportunities to continue contributing to their Tribal communities. I was proud to sign the resolution designating this week as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week to ensure we recognize the important work that Tribal colleges, universities and teachers do for our Native students.”
“Tribal colleges and universities provide Native students in New Mexico the opportunity to thrive in a rigorous academic environment respectful of traditional culture and language,” said Heinrich. “These unique institutions are taking an innovative approach to helping students prepare to participate in a global workforce and live up to their full potential. I am proud to sign the resolution designating this week as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week to recognize the vital role these institutions play in our communities.”
Joining Udall and Heinrich in recognizing the week of February 11, 2018, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week are Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Steve Daines (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Amy Klobochar (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Jon Tester (D-Mt.).