There are three dozen tribal colleges and universities around the country. None of them have a doctoral program. But that’s all set to change this fall when Navajo Technical University starts up an accredited advanced degree track in Diné culture and language sustainability. Administrators say it will bolster language preservation, but also lead to research aimed at tackling specific issues on the Navajo Nation. The new program also represents a major leap forward for Native higher education and could be a model for other tribal colleges that are looking to both increase their educational attainment and provide culturally-specific academic insights to help tribal citizens. Today on Native America Calling, we speak with Dr. Wafa Hozien, dean and head of Diné and graduate studies, and Dr. Colleen Bowman (Navajo), provost for Navajo Technical University.

Break 1 music: We Are Going to Dance Well (song) Greyeyes/Martin Sisters/Todi Neesh Zhee (artist) Epiphany – Diné Nishłi (album)

Break 2 music: Five Kiowa “49” Dance Songs (song) Bill Koomsa, Sr. & Kiowa Dance Group Singers (artist) Kiowa – Traditional Kiowa Songs (album)