“With more economic power, with more wealth, we are able to do this,” Roman Nose said.
In North Dakota, United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck has had to fight for funding after it was eliminated from President Bush's budget proposal for the fifth straight year. Earlier this year, the state's congressional delegation said Congress restored $3.5 million.
Gambling has aided some tribes, Gipp said, but not all. Most tribal gambling centers are in remote areas, and tribes have many needs to cover, he said.
“These are schools chartered by the tribe,” Gipp said. “So, it does indicate that tribes are feeling confident in where they are going.”
In Pawnee, Sunray said most of his classmates are seeking an education as a means to improve their lives. He hopes, however, that a tribal college education will do more for his 5-year-old daughter and his 1-year-old son, he said.
“They're more apt to treat people better if they know who they are, if they're not marginalized,” Sunray said. “They'll get along better with others and feel strong in who they are.”
— Associated Press
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