World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium

Recognized as an international accrediting authority, WINHEC strengthens and validates indigenous higher education institutions and programs by promoting and acknowledging indigenous epistemology and pedagogy. WINHEC was founded according to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and provides an international forum and support for indigenous peoples to pursue common goals through higher education.

WINHEC Goals

• Accelerate the articulation of indigenous epistemology (ways of knowing, education, philosophy, and research);
• Protect and enhance indigenous spiritual beliefs, culture, and languages through higher education;
• Advance the social, economic, and political status of indigenous peoples that contribute to the well-being of indigenous communities through higher education;
• Create an accreditation body for indigenous education initiatives and systems that identify common criteria, practices, and principles by which indigenous peoples live;
• Recognize the significance of indigenous education;
• Create a global network for sharing knowledge through exchange forums and state of the art technology; and
• Recognize the educational rights of indigenous peoples.

On July 27, 2017 Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) received accreditation of its Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan (the Peoples way of knowing) programs through the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium. Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan includes all programs of indigenous study at FDLTCC:

• Academic Programming:
  • Dibaajimowinan (Telling our story): American Indian Studies Program
  • Niindaa i’weda o’o gikendaasowin (Lets send this knowledge forward): Elementary Teacher Education Program
  • Miskwaadesi (Painted turtle): Early Childhood Development Program
  • Associates of Fine Arts in Ojibwe Traditional Arts (currently in development)
• Ojibwe Language Programs:
  • Ojibwemotaadidaa Omaa Gidakiiminaang (Ojibwe Language Immersion Program)
  • Ojibwe Language Certificate
  • Ojibwemowining (Ojibwe Language Resource Center)
• Extension Programming:
  • Preservation of Traditional Arts ()
  • Ashi-Niswi Giizisoog (13 Moons Program)
  • Environmental Institute

For more information: “What the Heck is WINHEC”