The Chippewa tribe has finally established its own college.
This story was improved with new informations on November 5th, 2024
Dr. Amanda Flaugher, who earned her PhD two years ago, is now responsible for recruiting and monitoring students at the Saginaw Chippewa College. She is deeply committed to her mission, stating, “This institution has had a long and eventful journey. The project was recognized by federal authorities as early as 1998.”
The college aims to provide a unique place in higher education for the Native American nation. The college's beginnings were humble, starting with a single classroom in the tribe's administrative offices, and faced with skepticism from some students about the value of their approach. Initially, there was only one computer available. However, as funding was secured from the Soaring Eagle Casino, significant progress was made. The casino generates $35 million per year, not including income from its hotels and restaurants, and employs 760 people, mostly tribe members, with an annual workforce increase of 23%. It ranks as the third highest-grossing casino in the state.
Indian authorities often emphasize that the tribe contributes significantly through various income sources, amounting to $64 million per year in taxes. This revenue has been fundamental in funding the tribe's development and infrastructure, including fire services, police, a museum, and cultural events. A plot of land for a college was purchased, and in March 2024, a new building was completed. A canoe is displayed in the lobby, symbolizing the tribe's roots, and the library is well-stocked.
While the U.S. is experiencing a college recruitment crisis that has led to some closures, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College remains vibrant and hopeful. "We currently have 200 students. We must maintain a specific distribution: at least 50% plus one student must be either members of the Chippewa tribe or their descendants," says Amanda. This summer, the college launched summer classes and is now offering four programs: Science, Liberal Arts, Business, and Native American Studies, all designed to teach students about their roots in a comprehensive and academic manner.
The recruitment efforts focus on the Isabella Reserve in Mount Pleasant, with a secondary pool in Saganing. Additionally, a primary school and high school support the upper levels of the self-contained education building.The Saginaw Chippewa tribe faces a significant challenge: it has only 3,600 registered members, with 1,500 living on the reservation and the remainder residing in Michigan and elsewhere in the United States. Although the demographic profile is healthier than it was during Tocqueville's time (1), it still reflects contemporary sociological trends, typically consisting of families with a maximum of four members. Currently, there are only 900 children under the age of 18, and many of them are unlikely to pursue college education due to a lack of ambition, low academic achievement, or alternative career plans.
There is hope that Chippewa members living outside the reservation will actively pass on Anishinabe values to their adolescents or help broaden the range of courses to attract non-Indigenous students. The competition among educational institutions is intense, and the registration fees have been intentionally set at an attractive level. In Michigan, there are three other Indian colleges, with this being the only one located in the northern region. While the sense of Indigenous belonging is on the rise, tribe members acknowledge that there is still a long way to go to engage young people who are often captivated by Western culture. It’s important to note that the specific Anishinabe values held by the tribe may differ from those of other Indigenous groups.
Love (Zaagi’idiwin):Unconditional love for oneself, others, and all beings of Creation.
Respect (Manaaji’idiwin):Treat all living things with kindness and respect.
Courage (Aakode’ewin): Staying steadfast in the pursuit of what is good, even when faced with adversity.
Truth (Debwewin):Speak with integrity and live honestly.
Honesty (Dabasendiziwin):Be truthful with yourself and others.
Humility (Dabasendiziwin):Be aware of your place in the world and remain humble.
Wisdom (Naboobeesii): Seek knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions.
These principles guide individuals to live a life of peace and harmony with all beings of Creation. In this context, Tocqueville accurately recognized and admired the values of this tribe.
NOTES:
(1) In his essay "Two Weeks in the Wilderness" (also known as "A Fortnight in the Wilds"), Alexis de Tocqueville described his journey through Michigan, including his encounters with the Chippewa (Ojibwa) Indians. He was deeply moved by the vast, untouched forests and the presence of Native Americans1. Tocqueville wrote about the Chippewa with a sense of respect and curiosity, noting their way of life and the impact of European settlers on their communities.The main Choctaw Indian reservations are located in the following areas:
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma: This reservation covers nearly 11,000 square miles in southeastern Oklahoma. The region includes mountains, rivers, lakes, and woodlands1.
- Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians: Their reservation includes lands in Neshoba, Leake, Newton, Scott, Jones, Attala, Kemper, and Winston counties in Mississippi
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