Dr. Garcia 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.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM BELOW AND CLICK SUBMIT. DR. GARCIA WILL RETURN A RESPONSE ONCE IT IS RECIEVED. THANK YOU!

Dr. Tony Garcia

Chief Executive Officer/Academic Dean

Ihankntonwan Community College

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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 directly on the lands of the Ihanktonwan Oyate (Yankton Sioux Reservation).

For many generations, the educational system failed the American Indian people in this land, resulting in among other things 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 found on the reservation. Education has always been a major part 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 believe and philosophy of acculturation and assimilation.

Today, leaders are committed to rebuilding the Nation of the Ihanktonwan Oyate by building and controlling its own institutions. ICC is one of those major institutions in this process. ICC is a small college with the majority of the students being non-traditional. The college provides higher educational opportunity close to the homes of its students, which is a desired opportunity. This allows students to have direct and continued support of the 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 have the lowest tuition and fees rates in the country. ICC is a Branch institute of Sinte Gleska University of our neighboring relatives and Tribe the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. SGU is accredited by the Higher learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and the Affiliation agreement between SGU and ICC is recognized.