Mission
“To provide excellent higher education that is grounded in the
Ojibwe language and culture of the Red Lake Nation.”
RED LAKE NATION COLLEGE IS NOW ACCREDITED!
On March 1, 2021, Red Lake Nation College was notified that it has been granted initial accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Earning regional accreditation is a major achievement that demonstrates that the Tribal College meets HLC’s high quality standards and is engaged in continuous improvement.
According to Dan King, RLNC President, attaining accreditation is the culmination of a ten-year process. “We began pursuing accreditation shortly after I arrived at RLNC in 2010, and have been working relentlessly toward this goal ever since,” said King. “This a significant milestone for the College, a huge benefit to all of our students, and it is a monumental achievement for the Red Lake Nation. Having an accredited Tribal College assures that Tribal Members have access and opportunities for high quality, Ojibwe language and culture-based higher education right here on the Red Lake Reservation.”
As a two-year Tribal College, RLNC serves as a key access bridge to higher education for students. “The Red Lake Nation desperately needs more educated Tribal Members, and RLNC is the solution. Our vision is for our graduates to continue their education, earn Bachelor’s and advanced degrees, and go on to be leaders who bring positive change to their communities, tribes, and the world,” said King.
The HLC Board of Trustees voted to grant RLNC initial accreditation at its meeting on February 25, 2021, after a ten-year accreditation process that included extensive academic compliance materials and reports from several comprehensive evaluations. The HLC covers a 19-state region. Being an accredited member provides the public and all academic institutions the assurance that RLNC meets the highest quality standards in higher education.
“Preparing for a comprehensive accreditation evaluation and site visit is challenging during the best of times,” said King. “RLNC did it during a pandemic, in the midst of an unplanned transition to remote learning, while adapting to constantly changing conditions. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, we successfully hosted one of the first-ever HLC site visits utilizing virtual reality technology and we achieved our goal. I couldn’t be more proud of our exceptional team of RLNC administrators, staff, and faculty.”
King added, “Miigwech [thank you] to the entire RLNC community – the RLNC board, faculty, staff, and students, the Red Lake Tribal Council, Hereditary Chiefs, and community members, as well as our partners and donors. This was an extraordinary team effort. Together, we will continue to improve and expand our educational services and achieve great things”
In the News
Vision
“Red Lake Nation College will strive to be a center for academic excellence on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, equipping students with a knowledge of their language, culture, and self, and preparing them to carry this knowledge forward into future generations.”
VALUES
At the Red Lake Nation College, we use, follow, encourage,
and support the 7 Ojibwe Values of:
Dabasendizowin (Humility) Debwewin (Truth) Zoongide’iwin (Courage)
Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty) Manaaji’idiwin (Respect) Zaagi’idiwin (Love)
Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
