Where has all the money gone?

by DQ University Student Body

Dear California Nations Indian Gaming Association:

We are writing as representatives from the only Tribal College in California to offer our powerful endorsement of your attempt to garner votes for Propositions 94-97. We know that your intention is to support tribal educational opportunities for native residents of California but as of yet you have ignored our requests for funding and support.

DQ-University, California's only Tribal University was founded in 1971 after the federal government gave 640 acres of land to a group of Native Americans and Chicanos whose goal was to start the nation's first indigenous controlled university outside of a reservation. When DQ-U opened its doors it represented the first time diverse groups of native people of the continent of North America successfully worked together on a project, despite language and cultural difference.

In 1978 DQU became Indian-controlled and set down its path of not only becoming a university for all indigenous and native people, but also an important gathering place for Indian cultural days, spiritual unity conferences, youth and elder gatherings, Powwows, ceremonies, festivals, concerts, and other events. In addition to graduating many Native American and Chicano students who have gone on to work in public, private, and tribal sectors. DQU has been a viable source of higher education for individuals who would otherwise have no access to the brighter future that indigenous education can provide..

In 2004, DQU lost accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In the midst of a financial crisis and $270,000 in debt, the school was forced to close. DQU students arriving at the campus for the new term were unaware of the crisis. Armed with the determination of attaining their education and loyalty to DQU, the students formed an occupation of the campus and here they wait for the re-accreditation and opening of their university.

The gaming industry brings in approximately $7 billion a year in revenue. The students and allies of DQU challenge CNIGA and the gaming tribes of California to follow through on promises to use gaming revenue to fund educational programs and support DQU. CNIGA's website claims, "Indian tribes are using gaming revenue to build house, schools...to fund the health care and education for their people," however, CNIGA has consistently ignored DQU's pleas for financial support.

If education is indeed a priority for gaming tribes than surely higher education is part of that equation. DQU offers higher education at an accessible location and reasonable tuition for all native peoples. DQU's curriculum is centered around empowering indigenous people and educating a generation of youth to look at, analyze, and solve the problems facing native peoples today.

DQ-University asks that CNIGA agree to honor their commitment to education with a minimum budget of $3-5 million per semester to ensure that DQ has sufficient funding for the reconstruction of the existing dorms and buildings, general operating expenses, purchase of new computers, educational supplies and equipment for specialized programs and the employment of qualified educators and staff. In addition to financial support, we request one or more individuals from the staff or board of the gaming tribes assist DQU with rebuilding the infrastructure and restoration of the integrity of the school. DQU’s goal is to reopen as a 4-year accredited university and become eligible once again to receive federal financial aid. It is our intent to be known as the ‘Haskell of the West’.

Propositions 94, 95, 96, and 97 promise to add an additional 17,000 slot machines to California's casinos and generate approximately $1.5 billion a year more in revenue. DQU and its allies will not endorse these propositions unless CNIGA and the top four gaming tribes of California, agree to support DQU and the education of native people throughout California. If CNIGA does agree to support DQU then DQU and it's allies will officially endorse Props 94-97.

In addition to the requests above, DQ-University asks for your financial support as we strive to set a precedent to transform DQU into a ‘green’ campus. As the only Tribal college in the state of California, we can be the model for self-sustaining campuses by utilizing alternative energy through solar and wind power. We also request funding for our Indigenous Permaculture Program, including organic gardens where we will grow and reap the benefits of healthy foods as we learn techniques of sustainable living; techniques and practical skills that we will take back to our communities and tribes. It is also essential for us to revitalize Indigenous culture and tradition, and to study at a tribal college where our diversity is celebrated.

Please join United Native American's Inc, members of the Lucy Moore Foundation and POOR Magazine staff at a press conference and rally at the Capitol Steps in Sacramento on Friday, February1st at 1:00 p.m.

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