Last week, Congress passed the Trump Administration’s budget bill via the reconciliation process – ushering in sweeping budget changes that will affect nearly every federal program serving Indian Country.
While we are deeply concerned by the outcome, we are also proud. Proud of every single one of you who stood up, spoke out, and fought for Native students, communities, and sovereignty.
As our President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull shares in the letter below, this is not the end of the story. Our future depends on the education of our students and the strength of our Tribal Colleges and Universities.
Together, we must continue the work. Continue advocating. Continue building. Continue believing in Native futures – and continue fighting to make them reality.
My Friends and Relatives,
As we learned last week, the nation’s legislators passed the Trump Administration’s reconciliation bill that included significant budget changes for many programs including many that serve Indian Country.
In spite of the outcome, we want to thank you for your calls and emails to your elected officials on behalf of Native students and Native higher education. You showed up for what is right: the future of OUR communities.
As you know from our advocacy, we opposed the reconciliation bill because of those budget changes and how they impacted education, health care, and safety. At the College Fund and throughout Indian Country, we are deeply worried about the cuts in funding and the changes in programs.
The future for all of OUR communities is intertwined with EVERY ONE of OUR communities. Our nation’s future depends on the future of every one of us. It is more critical than ever we work together to educate the doctors, teachers, scientists and leaders of tomorrow.
The federal budget will have a profound impact on education, not just for Native communities, but for everyone. And although much was lost, we want to take time and remember our work together culminated in a few wins, too. Pell Grants remain intact ensuring the nation’s low- to middle-income students can study and enter the careers of their choice.
Our work is not finished. Native people believe we cannot afford to throw away a single person’s gifts. Every individual has something to contribute, and every talent must be fostered for all of us to flourish. To that end, we invite you to continue to walk beside us as we work to ensure Native students can further their education to give back to their communities—and that the remarkable tribal colleges and universities who serve Native and rural communities keep their doors open to graduate the skilled and talented workers we need.
We will be sharing our initiatives on our web site and social media regularly and we look forward to working alongside you as we work together to build a better future for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.
With Deep Gratitude,
Cheryl Crazy Bull
President & CEO, American Indian College Fund
