This month we celebrate the many contributions from the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River, past and present. I am honored to recognize the resilience, knowledge, and friendship in the tribal community that makes this valley so unique and special.
From treaty rights to higher education, the story of perseverance and maintaining traditional and contemporary ways has strengthened the people despite historical wrongs done in the past.
From serving in the Armed Forces to pursuing higher education, the people from the Wind River continue to contribute. Local schools have done an excellent job in providing Indian Education classes that allow young people to continue to learn about tribal history.
We are proud at Central Wyoming College that we played a part in individual tribal journeys from our founding in 1966 to present. We will continue to learn more about the people of the Wind River Reservation and create a place of belonging for students and the community.
Join us in the celebration and recognition of tribal people from the Wind River Indian Reservation.
Sincerely,
Brad Tyndall, Ph.D.
President
Central Wyoming College
STUDENT PROFILES
Finding Her Path: Susie Antelope's Journey Back to School and Into Tribal Leadership
At CWC, she found a new path—and new purpose. She especially enjoys her Indigenous Studies classes, where she’s learning about Federal Indian Law and Tribal Governance.
Native American Interpretive Ranger Talks at Fort Phil Kearny
At Fort Phil Kearny Historic Site, the first American Indian Student Interpretive Ranger of the summer, Summeri Bass, presented a program titled – Caring for our Land and our Communities.
Focused on Her Future: Keira Lincoln’s Journey in Nursing and Basketball
A nursing major and women’s basketball player at CWC, she’s proud of her Wind River roots and motivated by the support she’s found on campus. Basketball has kept her focused on her goals, and she’s determined to turn that same drive into a career in health care and beyond.
Riding & Reflecting: Aidan Hereford’s Season of Growth
Last summer, Aidan Hereford (Shoshone name Red Rose, Arapaho name Tall Mountain) shared her heritage as the final presenter in the Native American Student Interpretive Ranger Program—and just completed a coast to coast bike journey with faculty member Jacki Klancher on the PAC Tour.
Wind River Development Fund Scholarship Recipients
Four outstanding American Indian students have been awarded the prestigious Wind River Development Fund Scholarships. These scholarships, totaling $10,000, are granted to American Indian students studying Agriculture, with each recipient receiving $2,500 toward their educational journey.
After weeks on the road and thousands of miles traveled, the Central Wyoming College coast-to-coast cycling expedition officially reached the Atlantic Ocean at Tybee Island, Georgia! This incredible achievement marked the end of a journey fueled by determination, teamwork, and hands-on learning in motion. Among the riders, Aidan Hereford played a key role in completing this remarkable cross-country trek — a true testament to the resilience and spirit of CWC students. We’re proud of Aidan and teammates Madi and Jacki for their hard work and dedication every mile of the way.
Central Wyoming College cross country athletes competed at the NJCAA National Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on Saturday, November 8. Leading the way was Region IX men’s champion Davian Spoonhunter, who was aiming to set a new personal record at the event. Teammates Ann Moss, a Riverton High School graduate, and Isabelle Murdoch of Green River, shared the same goal of improving their times on the national stage. For both Spoonhunter and Moss, this trip marks their first time flying—an exciting milestone as they represented Central at the season’s biggest meet.
Central Wyoming College Expands Workforce Training Opportunities through Recompete Grant
Central Wyoming College (CWC) is opening doors to new career opportunities this fall with skill-building courses offered in Fort Washakie and Lander. Supported through CWC’s Recompete program, these classes are designed to help adults earn valuable industry-recognized credentials, build employability skills, and strengthen career pathways.
Hubbard created the artwork to the right for The Grind, CWC's on campus coffee shop, to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Tribal Education Assistant
Central Wyoming College (CWC) is proud to have George “Al” Hubbard serving as the Tribal Education and Institute of Tribal Learning Assistant. Al continues to bring great energy and dedication to supporting our students and Tribal initiatives. Learn more about when he joined CWC and the experience he brings to the role.
Discover the beauty and meaning of Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL) — a centuries-old communication system that transcended spoken language and continues to reflect Indigenous creativity and cultural strength. This special presentation highlights its role in history and its continued value in revitalizing Native languages today. Three classes are being offered and are open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
Mark your calendars for May 4-9 in Jackson! Central Wyoming College and Native American Jump Start invite you to Native Voices: Honoring Indigenous Ways, a five-day celebration of Native American culture, storytelling, and traditions. This dynamic series culminates in the 6th Annual Teton Powwow on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Snow King Event Center.
In 2020, CWC became a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI). We are currently in our final year of this NASNTI grant, which has funded some important work with CWC-Wind River and improving student outcomes. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Coralina Daly submitted a new grant proposal this summer, but unfortunately the U.S. Department of Education announced in September it would no longer support the program and the grant proposals would not be considered. CWC is exploring ways to continue funding this important work; we are committed to not losing momentum.
Institute of Tribal Learning
The Institute of Tribal Learning coordinates American Indian services through continued education on historical and contemporary issues.