Tribal Colleges - WA

Started on the Lummi Reservation in 1971, the college was expected to train tribal members for work in fisheries. As the economy diversified, additional courses and degrees were added. By 1983 it changed its name to Lummi Community College. Finally, in 1989, it took its current name, Northwest Indian College, reflecting its role as the premier educational institution for many of the region’s tribes. Designed to serve the educational needs of Indian people living the Northwest it is the only accredited tribal college in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The college had a fall 2002 enrollment of 667 students. Of the student population, 53 percent take classes at off-campus sites on the Makah, Nooksack, Nisqually, Swinomish, and Nez Perce reservations, among other places. An additional 14 percent of their students learn through distance education. The college offers a Native Teacher Preparation Program offering a bachelor of arts in elementary education with K-8 teacher certification in collaboration with Washington State University. The purpose of the Native Teacher Preparation Program is to increase the number of Native teachers serving Native children and communities.