Our Mission
Leech Lake Tribal College provides quality higher education grounded in Anishinaabe values.
To be recognized as a center of academic excellence that advances the Anishinaabe worldview and empowers life-long learners who are fully engaged citizens, stewards, and leaders.
Our Objectives
Our Philosophy
We observe and value The Seven Grandfather Teachings
According to the Anishinaabe worldview, humans did not weave the web of life, we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. Therefore, kinship among all of creation, not the mastery of our relatives (other humans, animals, plants, etc.) is vital to harmonious living. To adhere to this philosophy is to be guided by the following values:
Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty)
- Maintain truthfulness, sincerity, and fairness in all one’s actions
- Possess the ability to manage confidential information
- Communicate with others fairly and truthfully
Debwewin (Truth)
- Speak as honestly as one can according to one’s perception
- Be loyal in all relationships
- Avoid hypocrisy
Inendizowin (Humility)
- Recognize oneself as an equal part of creation
- Be careful what one says around others
- Demonstrate empathy to others
- Be respectful of the thoughts and ideas of others
- Recognize one’s weaknesses and acknowledge the capacity for self-growth
- Develop and practice good listening and observation skills
Zaagi’idiwin (Love)
- Work cooperatively and harmoniously with others
- Show kindness and compassion
- Demonstrate acceptance and the empowerment of others
- Offer hope, encouragement, and inspiration
Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
- Seek guidance from elders and advisors
- Take time to reflect upon experiences
- Acknowledge the opportunity to learn from others
- Persist in acquiring knowledge and improving skills
- Strive to accomplish goals and dreams
Zoongide’iwin (Courage)
- Face difficult situations with bravery
- Acknowledge one’s personal weaknesses and develop strength to combat them
- Demonstrate the ability to take initiative and speak when asked
Manaaji’idiwin (Respect)
- Accept cultural, religious, and gender differences
- Maintain high standards of conduct at all times
- Safeguard the dignity, individuality, and rights of others
- Practice ethical behavior at all times
Our History
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe established Leech Lake Tribal College by Tribal Resolution in July 1990. For two years, courses were offered in extension from the University of Minnesota at Duluth, Bemidji State University, Itasca and Brainerd Community Colleges.
In the fall quarter of 1992, The college had its first graduate of the Associate of Arts program in Anishinaabe Language and Culture in the spring of 1993. In 1994, the college was accorded status as a Land Grant Institution by the United States Congress. Also in 1994, seventeen graduates completed their Associate of Arts degrees and Associate of Applied Science degrees. By the spring of 1995, the number of graduates had increased to twenty-four.
The college moved classrooms and administration to the former Cass Lake High School building in the fall of 1994, resulting in an increased student enrollment of 196. These students were enrolled in two-year Associate of Arts transfer degree programs, or in two-year technical programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science degree, or in one-year vocational programs.
The Leech Lake Tribal College includes approximately 50 faculty, staff, administrators, and about 150-200 students. Most of our students come from the Leech Lake Reservation. Approximately 5% of the student population is non-Native American. The college was accredited as a post-secondary Vocational School in 1993. The college was awarded candidacy status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association in 2002 for its associate degree programs and continued candidacy in 2004. Full accreditation status was granted on September 26, 2006, for the maximum initial accreditation period of five years, with no focus visits required. As of 2022, LLTC is a fully accredited institution of higher learning. For more info on LLTC accreditation and the Higher learning commission click here.
