Tribe to host convocation for Indigenous students from Maricopa Community Colleges
Photo courtesy Maricopa Community Colleges District
Indigenous students graduating from a Maricopa County Community College will have a special convocation this year, just not one hosted by the district.
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier announced Wednesday that the tribal council will host a Native American Convocation for all Indigenous students graduating from a Maricopa County Community College this spring.
The tribe is hosting the event in response to how the district canceled all convocations for specific student groups due to President Donald Trump's threat to defund colleges and universities that engage in DEI efforts.
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Harvier said the district's actions came quickly and without consultation with local tribes or other minority organizations.
The cancellation of the convocation concerned the tribe because Scottsdale Community College is located within the boundaries of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and many tribal members have received their education from SCC.
'We knew we had to do something to address this issue,' Harvier said.
The tribe met with the MCCD Governing Board, Harvier said, and the tribal council agreed to host the convocation for all 2025 Native American MCCD graduates in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
'Why? Because honoring all Native American students for their accomplishments is the right thing to do,' Harvier said.
The tribal council will cover all costs for the event that is being planned for early May. Details on the exact date and how students can participate were not shared.
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