Nebraska Indian Community College
February 11, 2026
CONTACT: Jarom Harlan
Director of Nation Building & Public Relations
A Unified Step Forward for Tribal Higher Education in Nebraska
On February 9, 2026, a historic milestone was reached for tribal higher education in Nebraska.
Student Senate President Laila Petite, LPTC Board Chair Amy LaPointe-Houghton, and President Manoj Patil of Little Priest Tribal College provided testimony before the Nebraska Legislature’s Education Committee in support of LB1184, the Nebraska Tribal College Investment Act — the first legislative bill ever introduced on behalf of Little Priest Tribal College.
LB1184 creates a state and private partnership to invest in Nebraska’s tribal colleges. When colleges raise new private funds, the state would match those dollars to help expand high-demand educational and workforce programs, with oversight to ensure accountability.
Introduced by John Fredrickson (District 20), the legislation reflects meaningful recognition of tribal colleges as essential contributors to Nebraska’s workforce pipeline, economic development, and long-term growth.
This moment was strengthened by unified leadership across Nebraska’s tribal education community. Judi Gaiashkibos, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC), the ACLU of Nebraska, and additional partners provided testimony in support of LB1184.
At Nebraska Indian Community College, we stand in solidarity with Little Priest Tribal College and all tribal education leaders advocating for equitable investment, expanded access, and tribal sovereignty in higher education. This collaboration demonstrates what is possible when tribal institutions work together to strengthen opportunities for Native students across Nebraska.
LB1184 represents a collective advancement for tribal higher education in our state. A strategic investment model that leverages partnership, accountability, and shared commitment to future generations
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