The college began as a vocational program in response to the economic development needs of the seven Native American communities which were initially served. The program was funded in 1981 by the Department of Education. In 1984 the college was chartered by the Bay Mills Indian Community under the Tribal colleges and universities provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Initially, the institution began as a vocational training initiative to address the economic needs of seven Native American communities it initially served. The program received funding in 1981 from the Department of Education. Two years later, in 1984, the college was formally established by the Bay Mills Indian Community under the Tribal colleges and universities provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965.