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What We Do

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was formed by Native educators in 1969 to encourage a national discourse on Native education. For 51 years, NIEA has hosted an annual convention to provide a forum for collaboration.

NIEA adheres to the organization’s founding principles:

+ to bring Native educators together to explore ways to improve schools and the education of Native children;

+ to promote the maintenance and continued development of Native languages and cultures;

+ and to develop and implement strategies for influencing local, state, and federal policy and policymakers.

Learn More

 
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NIEA Partners

NIEA works with partner organizations who work to further our mission. From other education organizations, coalition members, or Native organizations, we hope to provide Native students and educators with the information needed to be successful.

Partnerships are foraged through monetary, resource-sharing, and information based relationships. While NIEA may be a partner organization, we do not necessarily support all initiatives a partner supports. If you would like additional information on how we work with our partners, please contact NIEA@NIEA.org.

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Native Education By the Numbers
 
 
72%

NATIVE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Graduation Rates of Native Students
 
53%

NATIVE STUDENTS IN BIE SCHOOLS
Graduation Rates of Native Students
 
 
85%

NATIONAL AVERAGE GRADUATION RATE
Graduation Rates of Non Native Students
 
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574
FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES
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644,000
NATIVE STUDENTS
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6,294
NIEA MEMBERS
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1
NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
 

Our Purpose

Since NIEA was founded in 1969, Native educators and advocates have fought to ensure Native students receive an equitable and quality education that is afforded to many of their peers. From advocating for immersion programs, professional development of teachers, and increased funds for school buildings, NIEA has continued to be an important part of crafting policy on the state and federal level. NIEA membership remains the driving force behind NIEA’s work, passing resolutions and electing board members that guide NIEA mission.

 

tribal communities in school

NIEA, as a licensed partner of Communities In Schools National, is implementing a Tribal CIS model in partnering schools across the country. This evidenced-based model surrounds students with culturally relevant supports and is intended to expand our reach to impact native students in public and charter schools with native populations, Tribally Controlled Schools, and BIE through Integrated Student Supports (ISS).

Currently, NIEA and Maine Indian Education partnered to implement TCIS in Indian Island, Indian Township, and Sipayik schools. TCIS has successfully been implemented through a pilot program funded by the Dept of Ed, in Anadarko, Oklahoma in partnership with CIS of Mid America.  

National Educator Initiative Project

From big cities to the most remote villages, schools across the country are developing and implementing innovative, community-based strategies for solving their teacher pipeline challenges. Native schools demonstrate great potential for growth, yet rural isolation, small budgets, and low visibility on the job market hamper efforts to find new teachers and educators that will thrive in Native schools. NIEA launched the National Educator Initiative to share best practices.

 
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Get Involved

NIEA is the only national organization advocating for improved educational opportunities to enable all Native students to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Founded in 1969 by Native educators, NIEA equips all advocates with the knowledge and tools needed to support Native students in reaching their full potential. By getting involved, you support NIEA’s capacity to provide better services for our American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian (AI, AN, NH) students and their advocates.

 

become a member

NIEA is a member driven organization, eligible voting members guide NIEA’s policy work through resolutions and elect members to the NIEA Board of Directors.

employment opportunities

Job and internship opportunities are available at NIEA. Our dedicated team welcomes new members that share our mission.

Make a Donation

Your contribution will help us continue to be effective advocates, train educators that work with Native students, and close the achievement gap.

 

Stay Connected with NIEA on Social Media

 
 

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