Crystal LoudHawk-Hedgepeth
In June 2024, the American Indian College Fund, the Brookings Institution, and the Institute for Higher Education Policy came together to convene a group of Native scholars, higher education leaders, and policy advocates to explore the landscape of Native Higher education policy. This collaboration resulted in the Report on Success in Native Higher Education, which highlighted the key issues impacting Native higher education, the structures that do not adequately serve Native people, and the challenges that Native students and institutions face. The report identified key issues, including misaligned policies at the federal, state, and institutional levels; inadequate data systems; complex relationships with sovereignty; and the broader economic and educational barriers that hinder Native student success. A main takeaway from our findings is the urgent need to strengthen, create, and align policies that support sovereignty. Building on this work, in 2025, the group continued conversations by hosting deeper discussions and facilitating workshops with Native students, scholars, and supporters aimed to gather specific feedback and actionable recommendations based on the report’s findings. The presenter will share the report’s findings, provide examples of conflicting policies, and share the group’s recommendations to strengthen data practices and policies that can enhance sovereignty.