The death spiral due to deferred maintenance is in crisis mode at Haskell Indian Nations University. Multiple U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and other government reports including Congress have identified long-standing issues with Haskell Indian Nations University’s infrastructure, including deferred maintenance, non -ADA compliance, and outdated facilities. These infrastructure problems are part of larger systemic issues related to management and a failure of trust treaty responsibility from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). To reverse the death spiral of deferred maintenance existing at Haskell includes eliminating antiquated federal Indian law and policy, underfunding is disastrous and strong financial support is needed to meet the fiscal treaty trust obligation to Indian beneficiaries, eliminate federal BIE mismanagement, authority and control.
The BIA is negligent in data and reports which accounts for unaccountability. The decision impact for seven generations to come is the principle of the 7th Generation for responsibility and accountability.
There are real consequences of maintenance inaction. The inaction compounds annually and this is evident at Haskell. Haskell is in a quiet crisis mode, and this urgent situation calls for proactive measures and strategic planning. The Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) Improvement Act proposes to improve all entities of the university. The overhaul of Haskell will not be resolved overnight. Planning and assessment will require several partners working together all on the same path in the roadmap. Meaningful consultation with Native American tribal leaders and experienced advisors who understand the complex higher education infrastructure including accreditation requirements.
The Higher Learning Commission The Higher Learning Commission which provides accreditation to post-secondary education in July 2025 changed Haskell Indian Nations University accreditation status from “accredited” to “accredited on notice” and Haskell is ‘at risk” of being out of compliance with its standards. Deferred maintenance has consequences. Deferred maintenance is the cause of Haskell’s “at risk” status notice issued by the HLC.
The Congress has recognized the federal treaty trust responsibility with the proposed Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act to provide sufficient increases to provide a quality education experience. The federal appropriations required to overcome the death spiral of deferred maintenance at Haskell is crucial to avert the condition of closure.
The Haskell Indian Nations University is the flagship of Indian education. “Haskell should be a crown jewel for both Native Americans and Kansas, but far too long has been failed by the federal government” “For years, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Education has mismanaged the university, failed to comply with federal oversight and turned a blind eye to misconduct that has been detrimental to Haskell students.” Tracey Mann (-Kan.) LJW, December 23, 2024
One way for Haskell to become that ‘crown jewel’ would be to establish a computer science program at Haskell Indian Nations University and establish an Asset Management Software system.
We will keep faith in America’s Promise.
M’gwitch
Steve Cadue
Kickapoo Nation Kansas
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