Title: In Support of the Planning and Development of the Southeast Alaska Tribal College

 

WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and

WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization established in 1944 and comprised of representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and local Tribal concerns; and

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of NCAI; and,

WHEREAS, there are numerous successfully established Tribal colleges in the "lower-48" states as well as one in the interior of Alaska; and,

WHEREAS, there has been efforts over the past two years to establish a Tribal College in Southeast Alaska; and

WHEREAS, ownership by Alaska Natives of higher education institutions would increase opportunities for Tribal citizens and add to the effectiveness of other higher education systems; and

WHEREAS, there currently exists the human resources and professional staff in Southeast Alaska to administer a Tribal college; and

WHEREAS, a Southeast Alaska Tribal College Interim Board of Trustees has been established; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NCAI does hereby support the Southeast Alaska Tribal College planning and development of the project and the Interim Board of Trustees.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Alaska Congressional delegation, Alaska Inter-Tribal Council, Alaska Federation of Natives, Federally recognized Tribes in Alaska, the National Indian Education Association, and the American Indian Higher Education Association.

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000 with a quorum present.

_____________________________

Susan Masten, President

Juana Majel, Recording Secretary

Adopted by the General Assembly during the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000.