| President Crazy Bull Announces $2.5 M Contribution From San Manuel Band of Mission Indians |
Northwest Indian College received a contribution of $2.5 million from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of Highlands, CA.  Cheryl Crazy Bull, President (shown left), stated that “The gift from the San Manuel people demonstrates their commitment to tribal education and to the future of generations of indigenous students. The San Manuel Tribe is a leader in the recognition of the importance of reservation based higher education and we deeply appreciate their generosity and support”.
NWIC was selected as a recipient of the Forging Visions program and was presented with a James Ramos, Tribal Chairman of The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians said in his opening remarks at the Contributions Reception and Luncheon: “Education is a key part of who we are as Indian people. We are taught that we must do what we can to instill the sense of urgency in our young people to gain their education degrees and it's institutions like the Northwest Indian College all the way up in Washington State that are providing education to tribal people from over 100 nations that we decided to assist them with a $2.5 million check”. Northwest Indian College Foundation Board Member Aaron Thomas (Haw-het-ton), Lummi, received the check on behalf of Northwest Indian College. In thanking the people at the gathering, he recognized San Manuel’s contribution as contributing to our next generation of leaders who will have a chance at a solid and well-rounded education on the lands of our people. The $2.5 million contribution moves Northwest Indian College closer to its $40.2 M capital campaign goal. To date, NWIC raised $30 million with $10.2 million remaining. In addition to the gift from San Manuel, funds raised include significant contributions from the Lummi Indian Business Council, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, Trillium Corporation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Phases I and II of the campaign resulted in new student housing, a child care center and a new classroom building at the Lummi campus and a classroom/office building at the College’s Swinomish site. Ready for bid and construction are the Center for Student Success and Natural Resources Lab with designs underway for a new library and the new Coast Salish Institute building. Additional planned facilities include a workforce training center and more classroom and office facilities. Financial independence remains an important aspect of the campaign and supports on-going program development toward the College’s four year degree granting status and its expansion of academic and vocational offerings.
“We are keeping our eyes on the vision of building a Sanctuary of Learning and four-year institution by 2011. Plans are now underway for an additional $10 million in capital and financial independence goals. This contribution comes to Northwest Indian College as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary”, said President Crazy Bull.
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