#United States #Los Angeles #Indigenous Peoples #Anawakalmekak #Native Ways 2 College

The First Indigenous Peoples College Fair

On November 15, 2025, a groundbreaking event took place in Los Angeles — the First Annual Indigenous Peoples College Fair. This historic fair was jointly organized by Anawakalmekak International University Preparatory of North America and Native Ways 2 College, aiming to revolutionize the way Indigenous students approach higher education.

The college fair was designed with a unique perspective, focusing on community and belonging rather than the rankings and standardized testing scores that typically dominate traditional college fairs. It was an opportunity for students and their families to engage with colleges that support Indigenous students throughout their educational experiences. The event featured insightful dialogues with alumni from Anawakalmekak, creating a bridge between college representatives and high school applicants.

One highlight of the day was the sharing of experiences by Indigenous college students and alumni from across California. These narratives provided valuable insights into navigating higher education, creating a sense of community on campus, and the importance of cultural connections for long-term success.

Moreover, the fair introduced the new College Opportunity Guide, an essential resource for students. This guide helps identify educational institutions that align with Indigenous values and goals through the focus on five key areas: Land & Belonging, Language & Knowledge, Community & Connection, Inclusion & Rights, and Expression & Leadership. The guide is a tool encouraging students to assess where they will feel most welcomed and supported and where they can actively contribute to fostering thriving Indigenous communities within academic settings.

Marcos Aguilar, the Director of the American Indian Resurgence Initiative at Tzicatl and founder of NW2C, emphasized the significance of this educational initiative, stating, "Education is a tool with which to advance our collective self-determination. We want Indigenous students to know that institutions of higher education exist to serve them and not the other way around." He underscored the fact that attending a university with an established Indigenous presence—or one that is prepared to grow—can provide students the support and purpose they seek in their communities.

Additionally, Minnie Ferguson, Director of Education at Anawakalmekak, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the goal of meeting students where they are and establishing a robust support network.

The college fair also saw participation from representatives and alumni of various prestigious institutions, including the University of California system, Stanford University, CalTech, and the California State University system. Through their involvement, participants shared insights about their respective programs, opportunities for Indigenous student organizations, and avenues for collaboration with Tribal and local communities. Each representative came with a commitment to engaging with Indigenous youth and families, showcasing a dedication to inclusive and culturally relevant educational opportunities.

The event was not just a fair but a celebration of the partnerships forged between charter schools, Indigenous educators, and higher education entities, all aimed at making college access more equitable for the upcoming generations. Family attendance was encouraged, reinforcing the essential role of intergenerational support in the educational journeys of Indigenous students.

As an emblem of community solidarity in education, the Indigenous Peoples College Fair stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, reminding everyone involved that together they can pave the way for future generations of Indigenous scholars.

The event was held at Anawakalmekak located at 4736 Huntington Dr. S., Los Angeles, CA 90032, marking a significant moment in the journey toward educational equity for Indigenous peoples.