Tribal Governance

United Tribes is governed by the five federally recognized tribes in North Dakota. They joined forces in the 1960s when national discussions focused on shifting public policy toward “Indian self-determination.” The college became the second institution in the country founded as part of the “Tribal College Movement,” the successful grassroots effort to establish tribally-controlled higher education facilities. In the 21st Century, North Dakota tribal leaders remain unified through the intertribal organization, United Tribes of North Dakota:

• Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara Nation (formerly Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation)
• Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate (formerly Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe)
• Spirit Lake Tribe (formerly Devils Lake Sioux Tribe)
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
• Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians