American Indian Higher Education Consortium Tribal colleges were founded by American Indian people to meet the needs of Indian people for an educational environment that respects both Indian people as individuals and the tribal culture. Their underlying philosophy is that Indian people must assume control of their own resources.

The first tribally-controlled college, Navajo Community College, later renamed Dine' College, opened its doors in 1968. There are now 35 tribal colleges in the United States, and one in Canada, which combine to form the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The consortium provides a united voice for tribal colleges and acts as a clearinghouse for sharing resources for member colleges. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College became a full voting member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium in 1989.