D–Q University facts for kids
| Active | 1971–2005 |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | American Indian Higher Education Consortium |
| Location |
,
California
,
United States
38°34′02″N 121°53′13″W / 38.567093°N 121.886959°W |
| Campus | Rural |
 |
|
Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University, often called D–Q University, was a special two-year college. It was located in Yolo County, California, about 6.7 miles (10.8 km) west of State Route 113. Founded in 1971, it was one of the first six tribal colleges and universities (TCU) in the United States. It was also the first one started in California. Unlike many other tribal colleges, D-Q University was not linked to a single Native American tribe or reservation.
The school stopped offering full-time classes in 2005. This happened because it lost its official approval, called accreditation. Even though classes stopped, the university's Board of Trustees still works to keep its non-profit status. Students and teachers have continued to use the campus for special events. They hold gatherings and ceremonies, including annual powwows. These powwows, especially for Veterans Day, have continued to be held regularly.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The founders of the school chose the name Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University. They named it after two important Native American leaders from long ago. One was Deganawidah from New York, and the other was Quetzalcoatl from Mexico.
However, leaders from the Iroquois people say that using the full name of Deganawidah can be disrespectful. This is because the first part of the name should only be used in very special spiritual ways. So, to avoid causing offense, people usually call it D–Q University. Only Iroquois tribal members might use the full name in certain situations.
Why Was D-Q University Started?
D-Q University was created during a time when Native Americans were speaking up more for their rights. The college aimed to offer new ideas and ways of learning for Native American and Chicano students.
Some of its main goals were:
- To keep old Native American traditions and values strong.
- To protect and practice Native American religions and beliefs.
- To create a special place for Native American research.
- To find ways to teach Native Americans who couldn't come to the campus.
- To make sure students and staff had good support systems.
A Look at D-Q's History
D-Q University opened in 1971. It was the only college in California started by and for Native Americans. It was one of the first six tribal colleges and universities in the U.S., all founded between 1968 and 1972. D-Q was special because it was not on a reservation.
These first six colleges worked together to create the American Indian Higher Education Consortium in 1972. Today, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes 34 tribal colleges. Most of these are two-year schools located on reservations. They now teach over 30,000 students. Some even have agreements with four-year universities, so students can get a bachelor's degree.
The land where D-Q University was built used to be a United States Army communications base. It had different names over the years, like the Sacramento Valley Radio Transmitting Station. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Native American groups protested by taking over federal lands. The Army base near Davis was one of these places. Luckily, the Army was already closing down the base, so they didn't try to force the people off the land. Even in 2005, you could still see old Army markings on items at the campus.
A group of Native American scholars, including David Risling and Jack D. Forbes, wanted to use the site for a college. They formed a board to ask the government for the land after the Army left. The University of California also wanted the land for its new Native American Studies program. But the organizers protested, and UC Davis changed its mind. So, in 1971, the federal government gave the land to D–Q University.
The school officially opened in 1971, aiming to help both Native American and Latino students. It received its accreditation in 1977. The people who started the college were Native American activists. They worked hard to get money and teachers for the school. This was a challenging time, as other big universities were also starting new programs for Native Americans.
Why Classes Stopped in 2005
In the early 2000s, D-Q University faced some tough times. More Native American programs were starting at other universities, and many new tribal colleges opened. This meant D-Q had fewer students. It also had problems with its leaders and getting enough money.
In 2003–2004, the university lost funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Education. This was partly because not enough Native American students were enrolled. In 2005, D-Q University lost its accreditation, which meant it could no longer offer official degrees. So, it stopped holding classes.
Even after classes stopped, elders and teachers stayed on the university grounds. They continued to host community events, like powwows. In 2010, D–Q University worked with the Regenerative Design Institute to host a special course. Native Americans and others worked together to plan how to improve the campus.
Annual powwows continued to be held through 2013, bringing together tribes from California and other places. As of 2015, the Board of Trustees has grown to 14 members. These members come from many different tribes and have professional backgrounds. They are working to assess what Native Americans in California need today. The Board has also organized events to keep the university's non-profit status. They are working to improve the campus and build support to re-open the university in the future. In 2012, they signed an agreement with the Inter-Tribal Council of California to help reach this goal.
