Higher Learning Commission Approves Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College’s Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe and Indigenous Studies
Mary Pelcher, Dean of Academics
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College is proud to announce the Higher Learning Commission’s approval of the college’s Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe and Indigenous Studies program. The addition of a bachelor’s program marks a historic milestone in SCTC’s growth and commitment to Anishinaabe and Indigenous higher education.
The Anishinaabe and Indigenous Studies program is SCTC’s first four-year degree.
In 1998, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council adopted a resolution establishing SCTC as a tribally controlled college and formed a governing Board of Regents.
The primary focus of SCTC is to build a bridge between tribal students and higher education. SCTC is chartered as a public institution for all people in the community.
“In 2024, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College celebrated the opening of its new campus building,” said Chief Luke Sprague, a SCTC alumnus. “Now, the college looks toward another exciting milestone – the launch of the Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe and Indigenous Studies. A bachelor’s program will create new opportunities for SCTC alumni, current students, and future students to continue their education; to earn a bachelor’s degree after completing their associate degree.”
Chief Sprague continued, “The addition of a bachelor’s program will strengthen SCTC’s commitment to preserving and sharing Anishinaabe and Indigenous culture, history, language, traditions, and knowledge for generations to come. SCTC envisions becoming a destination in Michigan and throughout Indian Country for students seeking an education enriched by Indigenous perspectives.
“The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council extends a heartfelt chi-miigwetch to SCTC President Carla Sineway, the SCTC faculty, Board of Regents, staff, students, community members, and everyone who has helped bring this vision closer to reality.”
SCTC President Carla Sineway said the vision of the Tribal College is to “expand educational opportunities in a nurturing environment that embraces and integrates the cultural uniqueness of the Anishinaabek.”
Sineway said earning this new degree meaningfully reflects that vision.
“This accomplishment demonstrates humility at its finest and reflects a genuine commitment to serving others rather than seeking recognition,” Sineway said. “An undying commitment to the vision kept the momentum alive, even when the challenges seemed overwhelming. The SCTC staff and students, along with the broader community, have continually supported efforts to expand educational opportunities.”
Sineway continued, “This collective support has been a key driver of the college’s growth and has helped turn a vision into meaningful opportunities for generations of learners. The Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe and Indigenous studies represents more than the addition of a new academic program. It represents perseverance, collaboration, and a continued commitment to creating educational opportunities that honor Anishinaabe culture, strengthen the community, and carry the college’s vision forward.”
SCTC currently offers associate degrees in liberal arts, general science, Anishinaabe and Indigenous studies, and business.
The new bachelor’s degree is expected the create additional pathways for students seeking careers in education, tribal government, cultural preservation, language, community development, public service, nonprofit leadership, and Indigenous advocacy while also preparing graduates for advance academic study.
The Bachelor of Arts in Anishinaabe and Indigenous Studies is planning to launch in Fall of 2027.
For more information, please contact Mary Pelcher, dean of academics, at mapelcher@sagchip.edu.