WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today announced the Senate passage of the bipartisan resolution designating the week beginning February 3, 2025, as “National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week.” This week is dedicated to the recognition of and support for the achievements of students pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities in Tribal Colleges and Universities.

“Tribal colleges and universities, like Haskell Indian Nations University, provide native students the opportunity to receive a higher education in an environment that prioritizes their heritage and culture,“ said Sen. Moran. “This legislation provides an opportunity to applaud and support the accomplishments of tribal students and their educators – both of which are deserving of our recognition”

“Our tribal colleges and universities play a vital role in Montana’s communities and provide incredible opportunities for higher education on or near Montana’s reservations,” said Sen. Daines. “I’m proud to introduce legislation so the hard work and great achievements of our Montana students, teachers and educational institutions can be recognized nationally.”

“I’m pleased the Senate passed my resolution designating this week as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week,” said Sen. Heinrich. “This resolution recognizes the vital role of Tribal colleges and universities in creating opportunities for the next generation of Tribal leaders, upholding Tribal educational sovereignty, and preparing Native students for careers they can build their families around in their home communities.” 

Read the full text of the resolution here.

In December, Sen. Moran released draft legislation that would federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University and transfer governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to the Haskell Board of Regents, while maintaining federal funding for the university.

The Senators were also joined by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.).

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