BELCOURT — Turtle Mountain College in Belcourt announced Monday, Nov. 24, it has received a $22 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

The college described the historic gift as the largest private donation it has ever received, which followed a prior $8 million donation from Scott in 2020.

Dr. Wanda Parisien, president of Turtle Mountain College said Scott’s gift lays the foundation for the college’s future. “We are profoundly grateful to Mackenzie Scott for this extraordinary commitment to our students and our mission,” Parisein said. “This gift is a powerful investment in Indigenous education and self-determination. It will create opportunities for generations, providing the resources for TMC to grow as well as for our students to thrive academically while honoring their heritage and traditions. This funding could not have come at a better time. With the uncertainty of funding for tribal colleges recently, this donation will ensure financial stability for TMC.”

Turtle Mountain College is a fully accredited tribal college offering a range of certificates, associates, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.