Thank you for the recent story on the tuition waiver for Native Americans at Fort Lewis College (Herald, April 24). Having a federal law passed to pay these costs will be the most important legacy of FLC President Dene Thomas.
Our FLC mission statement and strategic plan codify our sacred trust to provide a free education to any federally enrolled tribal member, including Native Alaskan students. This is why history is important, especially at a public liberal arts college.
In a sense, we were chartered by Congress in 1911. We serve all tribes, not just Colorado tribes. In many ways, the future of FLC is dependent upon successfully interpreting our past to Congress. That’s the value of history.
Now, tuition-waiver costs equal $16 million per year, which are paid for by Colorado taxpayers and should be reimbursed by federal funds. As this bill continues to move forward in congressional committees, historians, as well as FLC administrators, should testify about our unique role as an institution of higher education.
Thanks to President Thomas for focusing on this crucial legislation.
Andrew Gulliford
Durango
