Native American doctors provide health resources and an understanding of Indian ways that otherwise may not be available to reservation residents. Native American lawyers protect rights to freedom of religion, as citizens both of the United States and of their own nations. Educated tribal leaders are applying their education and experience to improve living conditions on their reservations while maintaining a balance between traditional and modern values. Danielle Rae Lansing of the Navajo Nation is attending Harvard University working on her Masters in Childhood Education. She is pictured with her 5th Grade Class at San Felipe Pueblo Elementary School in New Mexico.
Education is the cornerstone of a productive, successful society.
By completing advanced degrees in education, AIGC-funded graduate students will continue to improve the cycle of education. These professional educators are uniquely suited to return to the tribe as mentors to their students. They can teach a balance of tradition, language and culture while preparing students to live and thrive in an increasingly diverse and complex society. Since most American Indian students do not have family resources to help with the balance of their need, they must seek out other sources if they are to attend graduate school. AIGC is a supplemental funding source, so AIGC applicants are first required to apply for available grants and loans at their college financial aid offices.