“Tribal colleges do not just help individuals

achieve personal educational goals;

they strengthen tribal communities.”Leland Kinter, Chairman

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

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california language areas

athapascan

algonquian

Hokan

Penutian

uto-aztecan

Yukian

other

language families

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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 38 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 educa-tional 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 1995 – 2005.

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 oppor-tunities for our people to grow, succeed and thrive well into the future.

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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

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HigH scHool graduation rates bY race/etHnicitY in california About 68% of California Natives received a high school diploma in 2007-2008, which is 7% lower than the state average.

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: news release by california department of education & superintendent tom torlakson, June 27, 2012

source: california department of education, educational demographics office, as of february 2, 2012

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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. The CTC will:• Meet the demand for educated professionals.• Assist tribal communities in economic development, job creation and research.• Provide centers for life-long education, community service and institutions where

tribe-specific research can take place.• Have the unique mission of teaching and learning how to preserve tribal

cultures, histories and languages.• Sustain, improve and increase the socio-economic well-being of tribal leadership.• Build and strengthen 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 and College of Menominee Nation were granted accreditation and approved as bachelor’s degree granting institutions.

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california tribal college (ctc) accomPlisHmentsBeginning in 2009, an intense effort was undertaken by Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for the development of a tribal college in California. The CTC seeks to promote greater access to higher education opportunities while striving to renew, teach and preserve tribal cultures, histories, policies, and languages. While we still have much to do, we have made significant strides. Below is a list of just some of our accomplishments:• Met with, and continue to meet with, tribes and tribal organizations to gather

support of the initiative and partnership in its development• Met with, and continue to meet with, Tribal Colleges and Universities and

mainstream colleges/universities to discuss potential partnerships• Received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status• Created Bylaws• Began developing a Certificate Program in in Tribal Leadership & Governance• Met with consultants and organizations to develop a business plan, timeline,

strategic plan and capital campaign strategy for the CTC• Approved an interim Board of Regents, and have expanded the Interim Board to

include 13 members with varying knowledge and expertise• 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• Hired two full-time CTC staff members• Hired consultants to conduct the CTC Feasibility Study• Completed Phase 1 of the Feasibility Study and are currently in Phase 2 of the

Feasibility Study• Successfully completed several fundraisers and received donations totaling more

than half a million dollars• Received over 50 tribal resolutions of support from tribes and tribal organizations

and agencies, and are continuing to gather much support from the community

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ProgramsThe CTC has developed its first Certificate Program in Tribal Leadership & Governance. This Certificate Program will assist tribal members in understanding the governmental aspects of their tribal councils. Other certificate programs are under development. Some topics under discussion include:• California Indian History and Policies• Federal Indian Law • Robert’s Rules of Order• Cultural Competency• Cultural Resources Protection

feasibilitY studYWe are making great strides, and have completed Phase 1 of the Feasibility Study. In Phase 1, we sent out needs assessment surveys to the community to better understand the need for a tribal college in our state and to learn the community’s interests. Six types of needs assessment surveys were sent out: Tribal Officials; Tribal Elders; Pro-spective Students; Business Community; California Educators; and the General Native Populace. We received an amazing response rate, as well over 500 people responded within 6 weeks! The survey responses indicated four key values of the California Tribal College. The Interim Board of Regents has decided to move forward with these key values of the community for the California Tribal College:

resPectaccountabilitY

integritYresPonsibilitY

The California Tribal College Interim Board of Regents has approved these core values of the California Tribal College! The survey responses also indicted that the commu-nity would like the greater Sacramento area to hold the main college campus, with satellite campuses in northern and southern California. Based on the feedback from Phase 1, the Interim Board of Regents has decided to move forward as a bachelor degree-granting institution.

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vision and mission statementsThe Interim Board of Regents has decided to move forward with the following Vision Statement and Mission Statement of the California Tribal College.

vision statement

California Tribal College will prepare students to be culturally grounded and determined to empower their community and to preserve tribal sovereignty.

mission statement

Our mission is to provide quality higher education grounded in respect, accountability, integrity, and responsibility to prepare students for positions

of leadership in their communities and their careers.

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structureThe 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:• A thirteen 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

ctc leadersHiP membersall regions

•

$1,000 annual membership dues*

elects representatives to the leadership council

ctc board of regents

central region

nortHern region

soutHern region

ctc leadersHiP councilall regions

•

elects regents (by regions)

*ctc is not requiring dues in the pre-development stage

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Join tHe effort to build tHe california tribal college Your community can assist the CTC 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 and have a voice in the initiative

• Appointing a tribal delegate to serve on the CTC Leadership Council By designating a delegate who can vote on your Tribe’s 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 quarterly 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 ManagerCalifornia Tribal CollegeP.O. Box 216Brooks, California 95606ctcinfo@yochadehe-nsn.gov530.796.3400 Learn about the latest CTC efforts:www.californiatribalcollege.comwww.facebook.com/californiatribalcollegewww.twitter.com/catribalcollege

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samPle tribal council resolutionsupporting the development of a california tribal college

WHEREAS, the __________________________ is a sovereign tribe, federally recognized as,

__________________________ (the “Tribe”);

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 __________________________ hereby endorses the

California Tribal College, in partnership with other Tribes.

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 ____________ , 2015. This resolution is valid unless rescinded.

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

CALIFORNIA TRIBAL COLLEGEcertificate of aPPointment

The, ____________________________ pursuant to its authority as a sovereign

nation, and by a duly authorized resolution, #_______________ , hereby

appoints ___________________________ and ___________________________ to act

as the representative of the ____________________________ to the California Tribal

College Leadership Council.

Per the authority of the ____________________________ , ________________________

and ___________________________ is authorized to attend and participate in meet-

ings and activities of the California Tribal College Leadership Council which serves

in an advisory role for the California Tribal College Board of Regents.

Further, ____________________________ and ___________________________ 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 __________________________.

____________________________ and ___________________________ shall also carry

forward the recommendations of the ____________________________ to the California

Tribal College Leadership Council.

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF TRIBE

NAME OF DELEGATE NAME OF ALTERNATE

NAME OF ALTERNATE

NAME OF DELEGATE

NAME OF DELEGATE NAME OF ALTERNATE

NAME OF DELEGATE NAME OF ALTERNATE

CHAIRPERSON

TRIBE

DATE

Duly Signed:Delegate Contact Information

NAME ________________________________

EMAIL ________________________________

PHONE _______________________________

Alternate Contact Information

NAME ________________________________

EMAIL ________________________________

PHONE _______________________________