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College History

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) is a unique institution that came about as a result of the efforts of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Tribal community college idea gained momentum in the early 1980s as the FDL Reservation Business Committee documented a need for higher education opportunities among the residents of Fond du Lac Reservation and both Carlton and St. Louis counties in Minnesota. 

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and in 2017, FDLTCC received accreditation of its Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan (the Peoples way of knowing) programs through the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan includes all programs of indigenous study at FDLTCC and our Indigenous programs embed cultural standards throughout the curriculum. 

Founded and chartered as a Tribal college by the Fond du Lac Band in 1987 and recognized by the Minnesota Legislature that same year, its commitment to meeting the educational needs of a diverse population is reflected in its mission statement. The college’s unique mission is also recognized by Minnesota Statue 136F.12. 

136F.12 FOND DU LAC CAMPUS. 

Subdivision 1. Unique missions. The Fond du Lac campus has a unique mission among two-year colleges to serve the lower division general education needs in Carlton and south St. Louis Counties, and the education needs of American Indians throughout the state and especially in northern Minnesota. The campus has a further unique mission to provide programs in support of its federal land grant status. Accordingly, while the college is governed by the board, its governance is accomplished in conjunction with the board of directors of Fond du Lac Tribal College.

Subd. 2. Selected programs. Notwithstanding section 135A.052, subdivision 1, to better meet the education needs of Minnesota’s American Indian students, and in furtherance of the unique missions provided in subdivision 1, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College may offer a baccalaureate program in elementary education, as approved by the board, and the board of directors of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. 

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College is the only tribally chartered Tribal college in the nation, also part of a state higher education system. As such, a co-governing relationship exists between the Fond du Lac Tribal College Board of Directors and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. The college operates as part of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities forming the unique postsecondary partnership between an Indigenous nation and a state educational system. 

Co-governance Structure and Memorandum of Understanding

In 1995, a co-governance structure between the Fond du Lac Tribal College Board of Directors and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees was made formal through the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Over the years, the MOU has been reviewed and amended. The most recent amendment occurred in October 2023.   

Memorandum of Understanding Addendum #4

Learn more about the Fond du Lac Tribal College

Current Language on Fond du Lac Tribal College webpage