Major Goals:

1.      Develop critical and integrative abilities

2.      Be a people

3.      Provide basic skills to manage and preserve tribal cultural and natural resources

Features for Goal #1:

¨      Each quarter a 10+ credit block of integrated courses on specific theme

¨      Wholistic approach using course integration

¨      Visits by Native scholars 

¨      Variety of “hands-on” learning experiences

¨      Required internship (practicum)

Features for Goal #2:

¨      Student cohort: group takes classes together in learning circle

¨      Peer assistance and friendship

¨      Close ties among faculty and students

¨      Persistence and high quality emphasized

¨      Non-abandonment policy

Features for Goal #3:

¨      Learning to walk in two worlds

¨      Differences and similarities between Western and Native worldviews

¨      Lummi faculty member as cultural consultant

Theory of change assumptions:

¨      Environmental management is naturally multidisciplinary

¨      Interdisciplinary approach to learning more effective

¨      Learning community promotes cooperation and motivation

¨      Institutional partnerships enhance student ability to transfer

Six quarters, six themes:

1.      To Be the Eagles' View

2.      Water

3.      Land

4.      Oceans

5.      Making Connections, Finding a Balance

6.      Bringing it All Together

Diverse learning experiences:

¨      Guided trips

¨      Group seminars

¨      Visits by Native scholars, tribal/industry/government professionals

¨      Hands-on learning

¨      Speaking and writing skills

¨      Group projects

¨      Multidisciplinary assignments

Results from first cohort (1998-2000):

Of 21 enrolled in 1998, 2 died, 6 left of their own volition, 6 graduated (4 received scholarships to four-year programs), the remainder are in various stages of completion.