Founded in Tradition, Driven by Progress

Chief Dull Knife College (CDKC), founded in 1975 as the Northern Cheyenne Indian Action Program, was established by Tribal Ordinance to expand educational access and opportunity within the Northern Cheyenne community. Originally focused on vocational training, CDKC’s offerings have broadened significantly to include college transfer programs, Associate degrees, and community-centered initiatives, all of which embody Chief Dull Knife’s enduring vision of resilience, independence, and learning.

Renamed in 2001 to honor Chief Dull Knife—also known as Chief Morning Star—the College carries forward his legacy of determination, reflecting his efforts to protect the sovereignty and dignity of the Northern Cheyenne people. CDKC remains committed to empowering students through education while fostering cultural pride and knowledge.

Our Mission

Chief Dull Knife College is a community based, land grant, and tribally controlled community college established to provide quality educational opportunities to residents of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and surrounding communities. Inspired by Chief Dull Knife’s determination, our mission is to provide Northern Cheyenne culturally influenced education through quality life-long learning opportunities.

Vision Statement

“We can no longer live the way we used to. We cannot move around any more the way we were brought up. We have to learn a new way of life. Let us ask for schools to be built in our country so that our children can go to these schools and learn this new way of life.”

Chief Dull Knife, Northern Cheyenne

Programs

Expanding Educational Opportunities

CDKC’s initial curriculum prepared students for mining careers, but as needs evolved, the College expanded to offer diverse Associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer options within Montana’s university system. With state-of-the-art interactive technology, students can also pursue advanced degrees online, creating seamless pathways to higher education and career development.

View the course catalog

Campus

Facilities and Resources for Growth

The CDKC campus has embraced sustainable straw bale construction for its newest buildings, housing Adult Literacy programs, technology labs, daycare services, and visiting lecturer facilities. Key campus resources include the Dr. John Woodenlegs Memorial Library—a cutting-edge library serving students and the community—and a Learning Center equipped for student research and study.

Tour the campus

Accreditation and Professional Memberships

Chief Dull Knife College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and as an independent institution, CDKC upholds rigorous academic standards. CDKC also maintains memberships with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, ensuring continual support for high-quality education and growth.