Leaders at tribal colleges welcomed recent funding increases but signaled deep unease about the sustainability and predictability of federal commitments. Programs such as Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College combine cultural and workforce priorities—leaders say short‑term infusions help but long‑term operating certainty remains elusive. Administrators highlighted persistent administrative burdens, the need for capacity building, and the importance of autonomy in program design. Tribal college presidents urged clearer, multi‑year funding commitments to convert one‑time gains into durable student‑success advances.