Comprehensive Federal Indian Education: Policy Statement. A Proposal from Indian Country to the White House.

Overview & Synopsis

This policy statement proposes national guidelines that direct federal agency implementation of Indian education policies in a coordinated and comprehensive manner and provide direction for new Indian education initiatives from Congress and the Administration. The policy statement was written by tribal leaders and Indian educators and was based on extensive research and comments gathered in Indian country during the past 2 years. Specifically, the policy statement calls for federal agencies to recognize and support the inherent sovereignty of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes; encourage and assist tribes in assuming control of education programs and governance of Indian education; preserve, protect, and promote Native languages and cultures; improve the statutory and executive tribal consultation process; recognize and support tribal education laws; recognize the key roles of school boards, educators, and parents in schools and education programs; ensure educational opportunities to Indian students residing outside of Indian country; foster cooperative/reciprocal educational agreements between tribal governments and nontribal governments and entities; acknowledge Indian education standards; assist tribal governments in conducting research and establishing databases that describe Indian education; remove or waive procedural impediments for working directly and effectively with tribal governments on Indian education; directly involve tribal governments and Indian parent committees in planning, budgeting, and administration of Indian education programs; and regularly consult with and report to tribal governments and the Congress on each agency's annual activities in implementing federal Indian education policies. Includes a list of Indian tribes and organizations that have endorsed the policy statement. (LP)