Haskell Indian Industrial Training School

Haskell Indian Nations University is a public tribal[2] land-grant university in Lawrence, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1884 as a residential boarding school for American Indian children,[3] the school has developed into a university operated by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs[4] that offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees.[5] The college was founded to serve members of federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. It is the oldest continually operating federal school for American Indians.[6]

Enrollment at the campus is nearly 1,000 students per semester, representing approximately 140 Tribal nations and Alaska Native communities.[7] Haskell is funded directly by the Bureau of Indian Education as a U.S. Trust Responsibility[8] to American Indian Tribes. While the school does not charge tuition, students are responsible for paying yearly fees.[9]

Twelve campus buildings have been designated as U.S. National Historic Landmarks. Haskell is home to the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum,[10] the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame,[11] the Indian Leader, the oldest American Indian student newspaper in the country;[12] and numerous student clubs and organizations.[13] Faculty and students built the Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork in 1992, and the Haskell-Baker Wetlands are important for migrating birds. The renowned Rinehart Collection is housed in the Haskell Cultural Center. Numerous sculptures and murals are located throughout the campus. Haskell also is a member of the American Council on Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Higher Learning Commission, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.[14]

The university hosts cultural and academic events that attract visitors (both American Indian and non-Indian) from across the country and abroad. Such events include the annual Haskell Indian Art Market,[15] the Stories-n-Motion Film Festival,[16] and the Haskell Commencement and Pow-Wow.[17] These public events are held along with numerous educational conferences, workshops, and presentations.