Northwest Indian College: Empowering Indigenous Self-Determination Through Education

Northwest Indian College (NWIC) stands as a beacon of Indigenous self-determination and knowledge, deeply rooted in the values and traditions of tribal communities. With a mission to enhance the living values of tribal communities and bring traditional ways into living contact with contemporary society, NWIC offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities for students from various backgrounds. The college's commitment to preserving and revitalizing Coast Salish culture, while honoring individual Native cultures, languages, history, and traditions, sets it apart as a unique institution of higher learning.

The Foundation of NWIC: Lummi Language and Mission

NWIC’s name in the Lummi language, XWLEMI ELH>TAL>NEXW SQUL (the people’s education), embodies the college’s core mission: to promote Indigenous self-determination and knowledge through education. This mission is reflected in every aspect of the college, from its academic programs to its student activities.

Coast Salish Institute: Preserving Culture and Language

The Coast Salish Institute plays a vital role in preserving and revitalizing Coast Salish culture. The Institute serves as a model for tribal teaching and research and acts as the heart of NWIC’s Native Studies Degree Program. Its research focuses on:

Preservation of Native languages
Sacred site identification
Cultural mapping
Family history and genealogy work
Examination of how traditional ways of life have been influenced by treaty rights, sovereignty, federalism, colonialism, self-determination, and self-governance.

Locations and Accessibility

Northwest Indian College’s main campus is located at the Lummi Nation. In addition to the main campus, the College has five full-service extended campus sites located at:

Muckleshoot
Nez Perce
Nisqually
Port Gamble S’Klallam
Tulalip

These extended campus sites provide accessible educational opportunities for students in various tribal communities.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

NWIC offers a wide array of academic programs, degrees, certificates, and vocational education programs. The college caters to a diverse student body, including recent high school graduates and returning adult learners of all ages. Over 75 percent of NWIC students come from a federally-recognized Indian tribe, and the student body represents over 90 different Tribal nations.

Financial Aid and Student Engagement

Northwest Indian College administers a broad range of financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs for students who can demonstrate financial need. NWIC students are encouraged to engage and integrate into the life of the institution. Students are offered opportunities to participate in enrichment activities through Student Affairs, student government, and residence life.

Leadership and Vision

Dr. Lexie Tom, PhD, was appointed as Northwest Indian College President. Dr. Tom is a Lummi Nation Tribal Member and NWIC Alumna. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Tom served as Acting Director of the Lummi Nation Educational System, which includes Lummi Nation K-12 School, the Early Learning Programs, Head Start program, Johnson O’Malley education program and partnerships with all public schools that enroll Lummi children. At NWIC, Dr. Tom was part of a team of Native faculty who collaborated, researched, and wrote the first Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies Leadership with the support of the late William E. Jones.

Dr. Tom's words reflect the deep connection between the college and the community: “I grew up at Northwest Indian College. I always heard our elders tell the story how our Tribal leaders as an act of sovereignty voted to create a charter that established what is now Northwest Indian College. I will always remember and recognize the sacrifices our founders and elders made. It’s with their support that education will continue to thrive in our Tribal communities. It’s an honor to continue their vision of Indigenous education towards mission fulfillment in contemporary times."

Rudy Vendiola serves as the Dean of Academics. Rudy is an enrolled member of the Swinomish Tribe and of Lhaq’temish and Visayan descent. He has a Master’s degree in Adult Education and Bachelor’s degree in Communications, both from Western Washington University, and an AAS in Business from Skagit Valley College. Rudy has worked in Indian education for many years.

Read also: Affording NNU: A Guide

Sarah McMenamin is the Associate Director of Two-Year Programs for NWIC. She earned her BA in French from Western Washington University and her Masters in Teaching from Washington State University Tri-Cities.

Notable Alumni: Leaders and Advocates

NWIC has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Destiny Petroske, ’15 is a Lummi Nation citizen from the Toby and James families. She is the owner of Dee’s Mini Frybread, a frybread and event vending business. Simultaneously, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies Leadership from Northwest Indian College. Ms. Petroske served in various roles at Northwest Indian College and currently holds the role of Policy Analyst for Vice Chairman Adams at the Lummi Indian Business Council. Additionally, she serves as the Vice Chairwoman on the Lummi Commercial Company Board.
Ted Solomon, a Lummi Tribal member, is a passionate advocate for preserving his ancestral language. Mr. Solomon’s journey to revitalize his heritage language began during his studies at Northwest Indian College. He joined the Lummi Language Program at NWIC and now oversees the Lummi Language and Culture department areas.
Lisa Wilson (Qwa’shi’lo’shia), 16′ is an elected member of the Lummi Indian Business Council and serves as the Secretary. She is also the Vice Chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science in Native Environmental Science from Northwest Indian College and created the documentary “Time Immemorial: A Fishing History of the Lummi People” as her capstone project.
Henry Dixon, ’24 is a proud member of the Lummi Nation and a United States Air Force Veteran. He currently serves as the Treasurer for the Northwest Indian College Board of Trustees and is a Board Member of the Northwest Indian College Foundation.
Penny Carol Hillaire has served as the Lummi Victims of Crime Coordinator since 2018. A proud alumna of the Lummi Fisheries School of Aquaculture and Northwest Indian College, Penny later transferred to Western Washington University.
Toni Jefferson, ’02 is an enrolled Lummi Tribal member and life-long resident of the Lummi community. Her educational background consists of two-year transfer degree from Northwest Indian College, Bachelor of Arts in Management Information Systems with a Minor in Accounting from Western Washington University.
Mrs. Williams holds her AAS from Northwest Indian College. She continued her educational journey and obtained her BA in Health Care Administration from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She is furthering her education and pursuing her master’s degree in organizational management.

Preparing for College at NWIC

Northwest Indian College wants to help prepare you for college! They are offering an introductory, interactive, and engaging course that walks you through every step of the process of becoming a college student from interest to enrollment at NWIC.

A Vision for the Future

NWIC is committed to its students, the Tribes it serves, and advancing Tribal sovereignty for the protection and enhancement of our homelands and future generations. NWIC embraces place-based and Indigenous knowledge in alignment with its institutional vision and mission.

Read also: Learn about NSSEO

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