1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

I just learned that there is a plan to cut funding for tribal colleges by 90%. Tribal colleges are vital to Montana. They offer job training, a way out of poverty and are important for cultural revitalization, which is key to combating despair, alcoholism and family breakdown on the reservations. Funding for tribal colleges fulfill the US government’s treaty obligations. At Montana tribal colleges you can study to be an EMT, a phlebotomist, a truck driver, or an auto mechanic. You can learn the skills you need to start a successful business. And you can study native languages and cultures. Enshrined in Montana’s constitution is the commitment to protect the culture of American Indians through education. That’s what tribal colleges do. Please fight to reinstate funding for tribal colleges in Montana and across the nation.