Nestled in the heart of north-central Montana, on the expansive Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, stands Aaniiih Nakoda College, an institution deeply rooted in the history and aspirations of the Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) and Assiniboine (Nakoda) tribes. Established in 1984 in the town of Harlem, Montana, this unique college serves as a beacon of education and cultural preservation for its community. The college’s location, geographically isolated between the distant communities of Browning to the west and Poplar to the east, underscores its vital role in providing accessible higher education opportunities to the residents of the Fort Belknap Reservation.
A Foundation Built on Community Needs
The story of Aaniiih Nakoda College begins in 1977, with the establishment of the Fort Belknap Education Department by the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. Recognizing the need for accessible education within the reservation, the department focused on providing adult basic education and vocational training to tribal members. This initial effort laid the groundwork for a more ambitious vision: a tribally controlled college that would offer accredited academic programs and empower students to pursue higher education without leaving their community.
For several years, the Fort Belknap Education Department partnered with the College of Great Falls and Chief Dull Knife College to offer educational credit programs. However, the tribes recognized the need for an institution that was truly their own, one that reflected their values, culture, and unique needs. In 1984, this vision became a reality with the chartering of Fort Belknap College. In 2011, the college proudly adopted the name Aaniiih Nakoda College, reflecting the languages and identities of the two chartering tribes.
Aaniiih Nakoda College: Location and Contact Information
For those seeking to learn more about this vital institution, Aaniiih Nakoda College is located at:
- Address: P.O. Box 159, Harlem, MT 59526
- Phone: 406-353-2607
- Website: www.ancollege.edu
The college’s administration is currently led by President Carole Falcon-Chandler.
Accreditation and Land Grant Status
Aaniiih Nakoda College has achieved significant milestones in its pursuit of academic excellence. In 1993, the college earned accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, a testament to its commitment to providing high-quality education. This accreditation was reaffirmed in June 2005, further solidifying the college’s reputation as a credible and respected institution. In 1994, Aaniiih Nakoda College achieved Land Grant Status, enabling the institution to further expand its academic offerings and research capabilities, particularly in areas related to agriculture, natural resources, and community development.
Serving the Fort Belknap Community
The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, home to nearly half of the approximately 6,500 enrolled members of the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes, encompasses just over 1,000 square miles in north-central Montana. The reservation’s landscape is a blend of agricultural lands, ranching operations, and remnants of past gold mining activities. Unfortunately, the legacy of poorly managed mines has resulted in environmental degradation, highlighting the critical need for trained professionals who can protect the reservation’s valuable natural resources.
Aaniiih Nakoda College has responded to this need by developing strong academic and vocational programs that equip tribal members with the skills and knowledge necessary to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. The college’s commitment to environmental stewardship reflects its deep connection to the land and its dedication to preserving the natural heritage of the Fort Belknap Reservation.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities: The Nursing Program
Recognizing the significant healthcare disparities that exist in Montana’s Indian reservations, Aaniiih Nakoda College has taken a proactive approach to address the shortage of American Indian nurses. A recent study by the Joseph Wood Johnson Foundation revealed that counties in or near Indian reservations in Montana consistently exhibit the lowest health outcomes in the state. This stark reality, coupled with the challenges faced by ANC allied health graduates who sought to pursue nursing degrees at institutions far from home, prompted the college to explore the possibility of developing its own nursing program.
In the past, students pursuing nursing degrees often faced increased financial burdens and were removed from their community’s cultural and spiritual lifeways. While these students often excelled in pre-science courses at Aaniiih Nakoda College, they faced difficulties in retaining and completing nursing programs at institutions with no Indigenous grounding.
A Community-Driven Initiative
To assess the need for a nursing program, Aaniiih Nakoda College conducted a comprehensive survey of the Fort Belknap community and the surrounding region. The survey results overwhelmingly indicated a strong desire for such a program, with 89% of respondents emphasizing the importance of incorporating cultural emphasis into the curriculum and 94% believing that the program would positively impact the health of the community. Following the survey, the college held community meetings with tribal council members, resulting in a consensus that Aaniiih Nakoda College should establish a Registered Nursing program.
Since then, the college has secured funding for a state-of-the-art simulation lab and a five-year grant to support the program itself, as well as train Certified Nursing Assistants for immediate employment. The college has also acquired buses to transport nursing students to distant clinical sites along the Hi-Line, enabling them to return to their home communities each night. The Board of Nursing for Montana has approved ANC’s phase one document for the establishment of a new nursing program, marking a significant step forward in realizing this important initiative.
The college’s first nursing students received their certificates in January 2016 and are now eligible for employment. Many of these graduates will work part-time, continue their studies, and enroll in the nursing program. This approach allows students to maintain their cultural integrity while also succeeding in an American technological society.
Student Demographics
Aaniiih Nakoda College serves a diverse student body, with a strong representation of Native American students. According to the most recent data, the student body includes 62% full-time students, 87% Native American students, and 56% female students. This diverse composition reflects the college’s commitment to providing accessible education to all members of the Fort Belknap community.
Academic Programs
Aaniiih Nakoda College offers a range of associate degree programs and non-degree programs/certificates designed to meet the needs of its students and the community. Specific program offerings may vary, so it is recommended to consult the college’s website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
Aaniiih Nakoda College stands as a testament to the power of education and community collaboration. From its humble beginnings as the Fort Belknap Education Department to its current status as an accredited Land Grant college, ANC has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the educational and cultural needs of the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribes. By providing accessible, culturally relevant education, Aaniiih Nakoda College empowers its students to achieve their academic and professional goals while remaining deeply connected to their heritage and community.