Northwest Indian College Receives Generous $200k from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Kwina Buliding on Northwest

Published February 6, 2019

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), located in Scott County Minnesota, recently donated $200,000 to the Northwest Indian College (NWIC) in support of Phase IV of its capital vision to create a four-year university and sanctuary of learning for Native students.  Phase IV expansion includes a new Health and Wellness Center designed to “heal the spirit through wellness” and a Workforce Training and Technology Building focused on preparing Native students for high-wage/high demand career and workforce opportunities.

“Promotion of healthy living and leadership are strategic goals of the College and central to student retention, success, and relearning life skills,” states NWIC President, Justin Guillory.  “This generous gift to Phase IV and our new Health and Wellness Center helps us provide Native students of all ages with access to sports, community celebrations, health education, and a sense of home.”

With the support of tribal, foundation, corporate, government and community donors, NWIC has raised $43.5 million (85%) of its $51 million capital goal and opened the doors of ten new buildings.  The final $7.5 million will complete the Health and Wellness Center and the Workforce Training and Technology Building.  Both facilities are pad ready for construction.

Through education, Northwest Indian College (NWIC) promotes indigenous self-determination and knowledge. NWIC is the only regional tribal college in U.S. and the only accredited tribal college in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.  Located at the Lummi Nation near Bellingham WA, NWIC also operates six, full-service sites at reservations in Washington and Idaho. The College’s student body is represented by over 130 tribes from across the country.

The NWIC Foundation is dedicated to helping our Tribal nations by empowering their members through education. Please visit www.foundation.nwic.edu for more information.