How can the state university system best support Indigenous students? One proposal voiced at this week’s Indian Education Advisory Board could lead to a task force dedicated to this exact question.
The proposed task force would offer reports to the state Board of Regents on a yearly basis with no anticipated cost to the taxpayer.
Lorna Wounded Head initially helped to establish the proposal in 2019. She spoke to the board seeking support for the project moving forward.
“Initially I wanted to be able to expand my programming so on college campuses students had access to personal finance programming, but our group has evolved into something a little more than that,” Wounded Head said.
Wounded Head said from that humble start, the plan now has become much more universal.
“Our mission for the Native American College Student Task Force is to collaborate between South Dakota higher education institutions to strengthen our network for the benefit of Native American students," Wounded Head said. "Our vision is that Native American college students are able to complete a bachelor’s degree and develop skills needed to be successful professionals.”
She hopes this task force can provide direct yearly reports to the university system.
“Our group proposes the creation of an official Native American higher education advisory council in order to provide timely and culturally relevant input to the Board of Regents on Native American student success,” Wounded Head said.
Some board members were interested in the proposal but say they’re looking for more formal plans before officially voicing support to the state Board of Regents.