This free, five-day workshop is designed for educators, leaders, and advocates dedicated to supporting the implementation of Native Education for All (NEFA) mandates. NIEA’s inaugural institute will be held in the Twin Cities area from August 4-8, 2025, in partnership with local and state Indigenous education organizations.

During this inaugural institute, participants from across Minnesota will gain valuable knowledge and tools for implementing Indigenous Education for All (IEFA) legislation in K-12 classrooms, with a focus on place-based and community-centered learning. Join us to engage in culturally responsive professional learning with local, state, and national experts, and build partnerships to create professional development opportunities in your schools and districts that reflect the strengths and priorities of local tribal communities across Minnesota.

Please review the information below before completing and submitting your application.

    • Field trips to places of Indigenous significance within the Twin Cities Area  

    • Guest lectures from Indigenous experts and Tribal Nations  

    • Hands-on workshops focused on tribal sovereignty, IEFA resources, and teaching Indigenous studies in K-12 classrooms 

  • Five Days of Place & Community-Based Learning

    • Day 1: Introduction to IEFA and Indigenous Sovereignty  

    • Day 2: Teaching Indigenous Content and Curriculum  

    • Day 3: Learning from Indigenous Peoples and Nations 

    • Day 4: Learning from Indigenous Pedagogy and Place 

    • Day 5: Collaborative Planning and Call to Action  

  • We invite individuals or teams of 3-4 who meet the following criteria to apply for this institute:

    • Currently working in or with a K-12 school or district in the state of Minnesota

    • Available to participate in the full week of professional learning activities (August 4-8)

    • Currently hold one of the following roles:

      • Classroom Teacher Leaders

      • Administrators

      • Curriculum Leaders

      • Instructional Coaches

      • Indian Education Professionals (Title VI / JOM)

      • Tribal Education Department Staff

    A major focus of the institute will be on applying your learning to develop professional learning plans for your own school or district. A commitment to bringing your new insights and strategies back to your local community and educational context is required.

    • Applications will close on Monday, April 28th at 11:59 pm CT 

    • All selected participants will be notified of their acceptance by Friday, May 9th 

    • Please use this link to review the application questions. Note that the application cannot be saved, so we recommend completing your responses in a separate document and then copying and pasting them into the application when you're ready to submit.

    • Participants traveling from more than 30/40/50 miles outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities area will be automatically considered for a travel scholarship to cover the cost of lodging accommodations at the Minnesota Humanities Center. Please note that scholarships are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

If you are interested in bringing this training to your state, please contact Helen Thomas at HThomas@niea.org.