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Dartmouth's Commitment to Native American education dates back to the
institutions' founding in 1769, "for the education of Youth of the Indian
tribes... English Youth, and any others." Despite this ambiguous goal, only
nineteen Native Americans graduated from the college in the first two-hundred
years of its existence. All of this changed in 1970, when newly inaugurated
President John Kemeny pledged to address the historical lack of opportunities
for Native Americans in higher education by establishing the Native American
Program at Dartmouth College.
The Native American Program exists to ensure that each Native Student who
chooses to enroll at Dartmouth has the best possible chance of not only
surviving, but flourishing, at the college. Through the Native American
Program, students are offered academic advising, personal counseling, and
opportunities to explore and express their cultural heritage. All members of
the Dartmouth community are invited to participate in various programs and
events designed to teach individuals about Native American cultures and issues
of local and national concern.
In the thirty years since the founding of the Native American Program,
Dartmouth's commitment to Indian education has remained strong. During this
time, nearly 700 Native Americans from more than 200 different tribes have
attended Dartmouth.
On behalf of the Native American Program, we welcome you to the Annual
Dartmouth Pow-Wow. We hope you receive "good feelings" from this special
celebration of Native culture at Dartmouth. We are very pleased that you have
joined us on this special occasion and we hope that you will return often to
visit.
Michael Hanitchack (Chocktaw, Chickasaw)
Director, Native American Program
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