Haskell Indian Nations University

Haskell Indian Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas, stands as a beacon of education and cultural preservation for Indigenous peoples. Established in 1884 as a residential boarding school, it has profoundly transformed into a public tribal land-grant university, uniquely operated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Haskell is renowned as the oldest continually operating federal school for American Indians, dedicated to serving members of federally recognized Native American tribes and Alaska Native communities. While tuition-free, students are responsible for annual fees, making a college education accessible to a diverse student body representing approximately 140 Tribal nations.

Academically, Haskell offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees, with strong programs in areas like elementary teacher education, American Indian Studies, Business Administration, and Environmental Sciences. Its curriculum is designed to serve broader Native American and Alaska Native goals, fostering leadership and community development. The university's commitment to cultural heritage is evident through its Haskell Cultural Center and Museum, the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Indian Leader, the nation's oldest Native American student newspaper. Twelve of its campus buildings hold the prestigious designation of U.S. National Historic Landmarks, preserving a rich and complex history.

Life at Haskell is a vibrant blend of academic pursuit and cultural engagement. Students benefit from numerous clubs and organizations, alongside landmark features like the Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork and the ecologically significant Haskell-Baker Wetlands. The university actively hosts cultural and academic events, such as the annual Haskell Indian Art Market, the Stories-n-Motion Film Festival, and the Haskell Commencement and Pow-Wow, drawing visitors and fostering a strong sense of community. Despite a challenging past marked by assimilation policies and recent scrutiny regarding campus safety, Haskell remains a pivotal institution, preparing alumni to serve Indian Country and Alaska Native communities with distinction.