Brief History of DQU

DQU was founded in 1971 after a year of struggle by Native and Mexican Americans to develop a two-year community college. This university “represent[ed] an attempt by Indians and Chicanos to develop their own initiative, to help themselves, to be responsible for their own development, and to make democracy work, at least in regard to one institution. . . It is important that Indians and Chicanos posses at least a few educational institutions where they can fully realize the potential of their cultural heritages.” (Jack D. Forbes, Daily Democrat, March 25, 1971) The university struggled with funding and lost its accreditation in 2005; however, it still hosts “trainings, meetings, and gatherings” throughout the year.