Harvest Christian University TRIBAL School

A Federally Recognized Tribal Member

Harvest Christian University is proud to announce its status as an Indigenous American Indian university, owned and operated by Bishop Dr. Carl Robinson, a federally recognized tribal member. The university stands as a testament to the vision and sovereignty of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe—one of Virginia’s oldest and most respected tribes, recognized by the United States government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The leadership structure of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe includes a Chief, Assistant Chief, and a Tribal Council, reflecting the tribe’s long-standing tradition of collaborative governance..In the spirit of this governing model, Harvest Christian University celebrates contributions from all recognized leaders and tribal members, and remains committed to the advancement of Indigenous education.

Harvest Christian University is recognized and operates in accordance with federal law and regulations established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs under Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which govern institutions founded and operated by federally recognized tribal members. This legal standing affirms the university’s role in providing culturally grounded, academically rigorous programs for tribal citizens and Indigenous communities nationwide.

FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED UNIVERSITY

HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION

Under the combined authority of federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and international Indigenous rights instruments, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, as a federally recognized sovereign Tribal Nation, and its chartered institution, Harvest Christian University, operate with full jurisdictional, educational, and cultural authority. These protections guarantee the Tribe’s inherent right to govern, educate, and sustain its people and institutions. Harvest Christian University is thereby recognized as a tribally authorized institution, protected under federal law, tribal governance, and international Indigenous rights frameworks.
Harvest Christian University is a tribally chartered institution affiliated with the federally recognized Pamunkey Indian Tribe, operating under its sovereign authority and protection. The University is eligible for federal protections and benefits extended to tribal colleges, including funding through the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act and access to programs via the Bureau of Indian Education.

Harvest Christian University holds formal recognition and protections as a tribally authorized institution affiliated with the federally recognized Pamunkey Indian Tribe, benefiting from both tribal sovereignty and federal Indian education law, along with international Indigenous rights recognition frameworks.

RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY BIA RECOGNITION

Harvest Christian University, in association with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, operates under the federal recognition and legal framework established by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) within the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe received federal recognition from the BIA on July 2, 2015, establishing a government-to-government relationship with the United States and making the Tribe eligible for key federal benefits, including support for education.

The legal codes and protections set forth in:

Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): This is the principal body of regulations governing Indian Affairs, including education, tribal governance, and funding allocations, administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Bureau of Indian Affairs Policies and Programs: The BIA implements federal statutes and manages programs that support tribal sovereignty, self-determination, education, and economic development for recognized tribes such as the Pamunkey
Federal Recognition Process: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe completed the federal acknowledgment process as outlined by the BIA’s Office of Federal Acknowledgment. This process requires tribes to demonstrate historical continuity, governance, and community distinctiveness in accordance with 25 CFR Part 83
Federal Responsibility for Tribal Education: As a federally recognized tribe, the Pamunkey—and by extension university initiatives serving its members—are protected and supported by federal policy under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, and benefit from funding and regulatory oversight from the BIA, aiming to advance tribal education while respecting tribal sovereignty

FEDERALLY BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS

HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Federal legal codes and regulations relevant to the status and operations of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and institutions serving its members include:

Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): This section contains the principal regulations relating to Indian affairs, governance, education, and tribal sovereignty, under the oversight of the Department of the Interior (DOI)
Department of the Interior Statutes: The DOI, under 43 U.S. Code Chapter 31, is responsible for implementing statutes and policies that protect and manage affairs relating to federally recognized Indian tribes, including education and cultural institutions like tribal universities and colleges
Tribal Sovereignty: The United States Constitution and federal courts recognize Indian tribes, such as the Pamunkey, as sovereign governmental entities with inherent authority over their members and affairs. The Department of the Interior has a trust responsibility to support tribal self-government and self-determination, and federal law guarantees the tribe’s right to manage its internal affairs, including education initiatives and partnerships
Federal Recognition and Education: Under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act, the Department of the Interior confirms tribes’ federal status, affording them specific protections, opportunities, and funding for education, health, and cultural programs. This framework supports educational initiatives like Harvest Christian University as part of the tribe’s rights and authorities

Copyright © 2025 MyHCU - All Rights Reserved Harvest Christian University is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), pursuant to the provisions of Sections 508(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). This

designation allows the university to receive tax-deductible contributions and affirms its commitment to public support and charitable purposes . DISCLAIMER: Harvest Christian University is dedicated to protecting the rights of its alumni and students. Any unauthorized use of the university’s name, practices, degree awards, logos, signatures, or marketing of its intellectual property is strictly prohibited and punishable by law