Each day when the sun rises at tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) professors reach back to the traditional teachings of their elders to prepare lessons for the students of today. It is the connection to Native cultures, attitudes, and philosophy that is what sets TCUs apart from mainstream colleges and universities. For most, teaching traditional knowledge, language, and culture has long been a part of their curricula and programs. It is with the passing of each generation, that this effort becomes increasingly vital. This article discusses how TCUs unlike mainstream institutions are working dilligently to incorporate the wisdom of the elders into their classes and programming as they struggle to keep the teachings, knowledge, and wisdom alive in a modern age. At TCUs students get strength, and inspiration as they acquire a sense of responsibility to carry on the traditions and pass them on to the next generation. At TCUs students also discover how to apply this traditional knowledge to everyday life.