This digest offers an optimistic and positive portrayal of the role of tribal colleges and non-tribal community colleges in American Indian higher education. Both types of institutions have much to offer as role models for other sectors of higher education in serving minority populations. In a little over 20 years, these unique institutions have established a precedent of success that stands in stark contrast to 480 years of failure to provide quality higher education services to American Indians. While several tribal colleges award four-year and master's degrees and one is a university, these institutions are some of the most community oriented in higher education. The philosophy of tribal colleges interweaves distinctive cultural elements and a pragmatic approach into the postsecondary process.
Students learn firmly that who they are and what they believe has great value.
Also remarkable is the high level of student satisfaction that Wright found with what these institutions actually do provide. Part of what tribal colleges are uniquely able to provide is culture conscious teaching. They are to help their students raise their aspirations and expectations and continue the traditions of their society. In addition, the instructors took a less directive position by sitting for most of the session at student eye level in front of the desk. Discussion sessions were saturated with photographic slides and visuals that contained relevant graphics, as well as images of organisms and natural settings.