WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Steve Daines today met with representatives from Montana’s tribal colleges to discuss the important role these institutions hold in providing Native American students with the training and skills that they need to obtain good-paying jobs.
Today’s meeting comes on the heels of the bipartisan Senate passage of legislation cosponsored by Daines to designate the week beginning February 8, 2015 as “National Tribal College and Universities Week.” The bill also calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to support the nation’s tribal colleges and universities.
In the meeting, Senator Daines listened to students share their personal stories of the important role tribal colleges play in building a better future for Indian Country.
Senator Daines with representatives from Montana’s tribal colleges
“Montana’s tribal colleges serve a critical role in educating our Native American students and providing them with the skills needed to achieve success in their future careers,” said Daines, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. “I strongly support the important work being done by these institutions, and look forward to working alongside Montana’s tribal colleges to ensure future generations also have access to critical educational and job-training services.”
Daines has long been a strong supporter of Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). In the House, Daines supported an amendment that improved education policies that support programs for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Additionally Daines wrote a letter urging prioritization of funding for TCUs to House and Senate leaders during the 113th Congress.
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