Address:
2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 676-2772
Contact:
Emma Norman, Department Chair
Native Environmental Science
(360) 392-4309
[email protected]
Overview of Services:
With its main campus located on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington State, 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal college serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
This program of study provides core courses in science and mathematics in the context of a Native American Studies curriculum for students interested in pursuing careers in marine biology, health sciences or natural resources.
The Life Sciences degree is designed to meet most of the prerequisites for entrance into a four-year college or university science program in Washington State.
Credential: YES
BS - Native Environmental Science Program (4-year)
Mission fulfillment of the college.
We encourage students to declare a major early in the program.
Equity Lens:
Open enrollment program. Need GED or high school diploma. Current enrollment is 600 students. Lummi is main campus and there are 6 more sites across WA.
78% of all students are women. Women want to be role models for their kids and may attend college at an older age. They also often want to work in tribal government. Why are fewer men enrolled? Lummi has a fishing culture that attracts males. Native men also endure highest rate of incarceration. Systems have failed tribal communities (i.e., boarding school tragedy) so our program is focused on career placement, healing work, self-reflection, and wrap-around services. We take a more holistic approach. During her 20 years at the college, Emma has focused on increasing the number of native faculty. She is the only non-native department head.
