WINHEC

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 provides an international forum and support for indigenous peoples to pursue common goals through higher education. WINHEC is founded according to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

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 August 5, 2013, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) applied for special accreditation of its Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan (the Peoples way of knowing) through the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC). Anishinaabeg Gikendaasowinan includes all programs of indigenous study:

• Dibaajimowinan (Telling our story)
  – The American Indian Studies Associate of Arts degree program
• Environmental Institute
  – All extension programs
• Ojibwe Language programs
• Niindaa’iwedaa o’o gikendaasowin (Let’s send knowledge into the future)
  – The four-year teacher education program (currently in development)

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College became a candidate for WINHEC accreditation in fall 2016. A site visit is scheduled to occur on April 24-28, 2017. For a brief overview of WINHEC accreditation, please read the pdf document “What the Heck is WINHEC.”

For more information about WINHEC, click here.