Dr. Tony Garcia

Chief Executive Officer/Academic Dean

Ihankntonwan Community College

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Ihanktonwan Community College
Woksape Owakide
"Seeking To Learn"

Exectuve Director

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER/ACADEMIC DEAN

Welcome to the Tipi (home) of the Ihanktonwan Community College (ICC) the Higher Education Institution for the Yankton Sioux Tribe, the Ihanktonwan Oyate. We invite you to visit our site and see what we have to offer. For those who may not know who we are, ICC provides higher educational opportunities on the lands of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux Reservation).

For many generations, the educational system failed the American Indian people, resulting among other negative socio-economic conditions high rates of poverty. Because of this, it is the desire of the leadership of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux Tribe) to improve the socio-economic conditions among the Ihanktonwan Oyate. Education has always been a major social institution of the Ihanktonwan Oyate, but for the past 158 years the educational philosophy and methods used to educate the Ihanktonwan were those of others and not the Ihanktonwan. These methods, which in many cases still continue today, incorporate a belief and philosophy of acculturation and assimilation.

Today, leaders are committed to rebuilding the Nation of the Ihanktonwan Oyate by building and controlling its own social institutions including education. ICC is one of those major institutions in this rebuilding process. ICC is a small college with the majority of the students being non-traditional. The college provides higher educational opportunities close to the homes of its students, which proves to be a strong factor in the success of our students. It provides students with direct and continued support of their respective Tiyospaye (extended family), which is critical for the success of the student. In addition, the learning is provided in culturally meaningful and familiar environment, which makes students comfortable and welcome. Although the college serves a large part of the Ihanktonwan Oyate it serves other non-tribal members who want and desire the same opportunities and support systems.

The college is non-profit and strives to keep cost low. In fact, ICC is found to be among colleges with the very lowest tuition and fee rates in the country. ICC is considered a distant location under and apart of Sinte Gleska University (SGU). SGU falls under the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and is accredited by the Higher learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. All courses offered at ICC are accredited under this relationship and approval.

Dr. Garcia is a direct descendent of

Smutty Bear

Mato Sabi Ceya

SMUTTY BEAR was Chief (Itanchan) of the Igmu Oyate (Cat People), which was one of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux Tribe).

The correct translation of his name is He Paints Himself Dark Like A Bear. His name was given because of his excellent hunting skills and success.

Smutty Bear was one of the principal Chiefs in the signing of the 1858 Treaty with United States. He was known as the Chief who held out the longest before signing not wanting to diminish the land or sovereignty of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux People). Because of his stance, he was considered to be the respected symbol of resistance to his tribe and to the citizens of Dakota Territory.