Through trials, tribulations and hardships, Marie Aripa has persevered.

The 32-year-old enrolled Coeur d'Alene Tribal Member was honored as a 2025-2026 Tribal College Student of the Year by the American Indian College Fund during a March 15 ceremony in Bismarck, N.D., during the American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s 2026 Student Conference.

In 2024, Aripa earned an associate of arts degree in business management from Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Mont., where she is currently finishing a final quarter to earn a bachelor's in business administration in June.

"Being named Student of the Year means more than I can say," Aripa told The Press via email Thursday, March 26.

Aripa's dad is a Coeur d'Alene Tribal Member and her mom is of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Reservation. Her paternal grandparents are from the Colville Tribe and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Her maternal grandparents are of the Spokane Tribe and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 

Even though she has family throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington, most of Aripa's childhood was spent in foster care and group homes, where she eventually aged out at 18.

"I moved in and out of homes all over Montana," she said. "I also spent time in Plummer, Idaho, and Wellpinit, Wash."

Aripa said her dad was in and out of prison most of her life and her mom struggled with substance abuse and signed her parental rights away when she was quite young.

"If I had to choose a hometown I would say Ronan, Mont., where I graduated high school in 2011," she said, "though I honestly struggle to pick as I have lived in many places growing up. I almost moved to the Coeur d'Alene Reservation twice in my life, but it ended up not working out for some reason."

Aripa didn't grow up with stability. As a former foster youth, she faced challenges prior to college such as homelessness, addiction, lack of support and not having the basic life skills most 18‑year‑olds learn from parents or family. 

She was accepted into Eastern Washington University right out of high school, but didn’t understand financial aid, scholarships or how to navigate the college process beyond the application, she said.

"I had no one to guide me, and I ended up not going simply because I didn’t know how to make it possible," Aripa said.

That’s why this Tribal College Student of the Year honor means the world to her.

"I enrolled in Salish Kootenai College in 2021 right after the COVID pandemic and have worked incredibly hard," Aripa said. "Not as a perfect student, but as a resilient one who refuses to quit."

Aripa is a mother of four, and at one point she took on the care of four nieces and nephews.

"Balancing eight kids while going to college full time and interning as a social marketer part-time for the (Salish Kootenai College) Center for Prevention and Wellness had me doubting myself as I was pushed to my limits," she said. "My grades struggled at times as I tried to find time for coursework."

She maintained an overall 3.0 GPA throughout five years of college, "even if it took me an extra year to earn my associates," she said.

Her goal is to attend graduate school and earn a master's in business administration. She is currently exploring graduate programs in Montana and Idaho, as well as funding options.  

The Adolph Coors Foundation sponsors the Tribal College and University Students of the Year and the Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year. Every year, each of the 34 tribal colleges and universities selects one student to represent their university, with students receiving a $1,200 scholarship.

"This award feels like a full‑circle moment, proof that all the struggle is finally leading me toward something better," Aripa said. "I’m deeply grateful, and it gives me hope for everything I can do next — not just for myself but for others one day, too."

"I come from the Coeur d'Alene and CSKT people and I carry their strength with me. I'm grateful for the chance to share who I am."

Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council, said the Tribe is proud of Aripa and all that she has overcome to reach this moment.

"Her strength, dedication to her family and commitment to education reflect the values we hold as a Tribe," he said. "This honor is well deserved.”

    Enrolled Coeur d'Alene Tribal Member Marie Aripa was celebrated as a 2025-2026 American Indian College Fund Tribal College Student of the Year during a celebration March 15 in North Dakota. Aripa's father is of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, her mom is of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Reservation, her paternal grandparents are from the Colville and Coeur d'Alene tribes and her maternal grandparents are from the Spokane Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. "I come from the Coeur d'Alene and CSKT people and I carry their strength with me," Aripa said. "I'm grateful for the chance to share who I am."