Red Lake Nation College Minneapolis: Pioneering Indigenous Education in the Heart of the Twin Cities
Pioneering Indigenous Education in the Heart of the Twin Cities
The establishment of the Red Lake Nation College (RLNC) Minneapolis site, the inaugural Tribal College within a major urban center, represents a significant advancement in educational opportunities for indigenous communities in the Twin Cities metro. This pioneering educational institution and vocational training center, situated at 900 S. 3rd St. in downtown Minneapolis, epitomizes the commitment to Native empowerment, offering curriculum enriched with Ojibwe language and culture. Through its steadfast dedication to cultivating pride and knowledge among its diverse student body and staff, this institution
Red Lake Nation College has strategically chosen downtown Minneapolis as its new site for various constructive reasons. For starters, there are almost 8,000 Red Lake tribal members in Minneapolis and over 50,000 indigenous living in the Twin Cities metro. The Minneapolis site is situated two-blocks off the US Bank light rail stop, both blue and green line, it’s on the Hiawatha Light rail trail, offering 4.7-miles of North and South cycling and walking trails from downtown to the airport, and only a few blocks to Washington Avenue and 35W for easy highway access.
The first courses began in the Fall 2022 through distance education platforms and in class at our temporary site off Washington Avenue. Construction started soon after that semester started and completed in February of 2024. By April 2024, Red Lake Nation College Minneapolis started classes in the new site. By fall of 2024, RLNC is fully operational and with a growing PSEO program with five Twin Cities high schools. This building is a state-of-the-art facility that’s a must-see environment built around the students and for the students.
Through its innovative programs and unwavering focus on student success, RLNC has swiftly positioned itself as a transformative entity in the educational sphere, adeptly addressing the evolving needs of its increasing student body.
At the core of RLNC’s mission lies a team of dedicated educational professionals, diligently committed to nurturing the intellectual and cultural development of each student. Through a comprehensive array of courses, including those centered on Ojibwe language and culture, RLNC empowers its students to embrace their heritage while equipping them with the skills and knowledge essential for academic and professional success
In addition to its academics, RLNC fosters a vibrant and inclusive community environment, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions through a variety of extracurricular activities and events. From cultural gatherings to community outreach initiatives, RLNC provides a supportive and enriching atmosphere in which students can thrive academically and personally.
RLNC benefits from a network of dedicated partners and collaborators, including Second Harvest Heartland, ensuring that students have access to vital resources and support services. This collaborative effort underscores RLNC’s unwavering commitment to student success and community empowerment, establishing it as a beacon of opportunity and advancement for generations to come. We’re so excited to be a part of Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro.
Directory
Nadine Bill
Director of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
Nadine.Bill@rlnc.edu
Rachel King-Siert, M. Ed.
Director of Student Services
Rachel.King@rlnc.edu
Kayla Duane
Communications Director
Kayla.Duane@rlnc.edu
Steve Watkins-Melgarejo
Director of Distance Education
Stephen.Watkins-Melgarejo@rlnc.edu
Justin Heminger
Admissions/Records Specialist
Justin.Heminger@rlnc.edu
Watch Video
Important Dates and Deadlines
See What We’ve Been Up To
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
