Oregon's Indigenous students juggle culture, tribal ties as they weigh whether, where to go to college

By Daniel Fuentes on April 7, 2025
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 Madras High School Native American Liaison Mariah Stacona, left, works with student Dasan Begay inside the tribal homeroom at Madras High.

Two years ago, Oregon created a grant program that covers tuition and living expenses for members of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes. But education leaders, students and mentors say concerns over U.S. university failures in honoring Indigenous cultures, along with the concerns that tribal students won’t return home after earning a degree, can pose challenges to enrollment in higher education.