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NORTHWEST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION AWARDS $20K TO BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY AMERICAN INDIAN RESOURCE CENTER

July 22, 2014-Bemidji, MN- The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) awarded a $20,000 grant to Bemidji State University American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) for its Elders-in-Residence program. The goal of the program is to keep Native American students on track for graduation while attending BSU.

Elders from the native community will be hired on a contract basis to mentor native students, helping them to overcome cultural disassociation. The second phase of the project will engage elders to inform BSU staff and faculty about diversity training.

Dr. Anton Treuer, project director for the program said, “Numerous studies have indicated that cultural disassociation is one of the primary barriers to the successful retention of American Indian students in higher education.” Treuer noted the program would help bridge the students from their home cultural environment to a culturally-supported higher education learning environment.

The data retained from the project will serve as a model for Minnesota State Colleges and University systems (MnSCU) to integrate diversity programs related to Native American issues.

“Education and training are the two most important factors in moving people into successful careers,” said Nate Dorr, NMF program officer for grants. “The American Indian Resource Center is building a supportive environment for students to stay in school and overcome the variety of challenges they will face during their college experience.” Dorr stated Bemidji is the right place to try this program, and hopes the work can inform other post-secondary schools across the state.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 12 counties of Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, facilitating collaboration and promoting philanthropy.

 

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