Summary: A review was made of the activities of the Lummi Indian School of Aquaculture, near Bellingham, Washington, from June 1973 through February 1977. The review concentrated upon: (1) the sources and use of Federal funds, (2) the extent and use of equipment purchased with Federal funds, (3) the overhead costs in administering the program, (4) the per student cost compared with similar programs, (5) job opportunities and duration and salary of such employment, and (6) the training-related job market.
Funding by four Federal agencies during the period June 1973 through September 1976 amounted to $1.5 million, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs providing 55 percent. The cost of instructional equipment purchased was $48,000, and six vans and one truck were purchased for about $40,000. Except for a few items, all were being used by the school for student training. Through August 1976, $36,645 went for tribal overhead expenses. On the basis of 110 completed 9-month school terms, average annual cost per completed student was $13,209, compared with Peninsula College's $1,386 per student. Of 62 students from the Aquaculture school who entered the job market, 40 obtained employment, but only 26 were in training-related jobs. These 26 have held a total of 32 different positions; 27 with Indian tribes. The hourly wage rate ranged from $3.00 to $5.19. The job market was "fair to poor" at all hiring levels.
