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Institute of Tribal Learning

For Tribal and non-Tribal community members

Institute of Tribal Learning

"It is important that all of us understand the history of the land which we live. CWC has had the benefit of having truthful, authentic conversations with Wind River Reservation tribal members."
- President Brad Tyndall

The Institute of Tribal Learning coordinates American Indian services through continued education on historical and contemporary issues. The Institute provides a positive influence to educate tribal and non-tribal community members of American Indian issues on a local and national scale.

Central Wyoming College is a designated Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI)Since 1966, Central Wyoming College has been the primary post-secondary educational institution with the opportunity to serve the tribal communities of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho nations of the Wind River Indian Reservation. 

CWC serves the largest American Indian student population of the seven community colleges in the state, about 45% of Wyoming’s American Indian community college students attend CWC.   Recognizing the crucial importance of its tribal communities, the push to build the Intertribal Education and Community Center helped bring a facility to the campus that celebrated the rich American Indian heritage and culture of the CWC service area. 

 

Strengthen The Connection

Central Wyoming College proudly serves the two nations of the Wind River Indian Reservation (WRIR). With your support, CWC will assist the WRIR to improve outreach, education, and leadership development.

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    Education & Leadership

    The population on the Wind River Indian Reservation is 27,088; 42 percent are under the age of 34, and 20 percent of the population are age 60 plus. Of the WRIR residents over the age of 25, only 29 percent hold an Associates degree or higher. It’s essential to preserve the knowledge and tribal wisdom of elders and develop youth into tomorrow’s leaders.

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    Outreach and Workshops

    To foster communication and understanding between American Indians and non-native populations, CWC conducts outreach and workshops focused on education, contemporary issues, tribal history, and governance.

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    Student Success Support

    Less than 13 percent of American Indians hold undergraduate degrees (National Indian Education Association). CWC strives to deliver a first-class student success program for Wind River Indian Reservation students that includes recruitment, retention, mentoring, and outreach assistance.


We are committed to this community and passionate about meeting the unique educational and workforce needs of the Wind River Indian Reservation by providing:

  • A leadership and tribal wisdom society program.
  • Credit and non-credit courses and certificates.
  • AA and AAS leading to a bachelor's degree.
  • Presentations for schools, businesses and citizen groups on tribal history and tradition.
  • Assistance with, and dissemination, of Indian education for all curriculum and Wyoming Public Broadcasting Service modules.
  • Seminars, workshops, and conferences on contemporary issues of the WRIR (e.g.. natural resources, agriculture, and business).
  • Recruitment, retention, and student support.
  • Mentoring, clubs and outreach assistance to WRIR K-12 schools.
  • K-12 exhibits, recognition, and activities at the CWC Intertribal Education and Community Center.

 

Ivan Posey, Americna Indian Powow, Drum circle     

Key Initiatives


Resources

2021 Study.com Scholarship for Indigenous Students

Meet The Team

Ivan Posey

Tribal Education Coordinator

Ivan is committed to meeting the educational and workforce needs of the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Rory Tendore

American Indian Student Success Coordinator

Rory is here to help current and prospective American Indian students navigate our processes.

Lisa Appelhans

CWC-Wind River Coordinator

Lisa focuses on the coordination of programs and services to support progress in your education.