Native Education For All (NEFA)
Native Education for All (NEFA) is a groundbreaking educational initiative championed by Tribal Nations and state partners to ensure that all K-12 students receive comprehensive instruction on the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples. At its core, NEFA strives to foster a deep understanding of Tribal Nations, their governments, and their sovereignty while also ensuring that Native students have access to culturally responsive education that reflects their unique heritage.
The Purpose & Promise of NEFA
NEFA aims to create stronger relationships between Tribal governments and state authorities by educating all students about the history, sovereignty, and governance of Tribal Nations in their state. This education not only helps Native students connect with their cultural roots but also enables them to thrive academically within an inclusive and culturally relevant curriculum. With over 650,000 Native students across the U.S., many of whom attend public schools, NEFA seeks to ensure that these students receive an education that resonates with their identity and fosters academic achievement.
State NEFA Policies
Several states have already embraced NEFA, enacting policies that mandate or encourage the inclusion of Native history and sovereignty in their educational systems. These include Arizona (SB 1365), California (AB 1821), and Washington (SB 5433), among others. NEFA is a critical tool for Tribal Nations to leverage their sovereignty and collaborate with state and local education systems to ensure that Native students have access to meaningful education.
Supporting Native Students and Educators
Native Education for All empowers Native educators to develop and implement curricula that highlight the richness of Native history, contemporary issues, and Tribal sovereignty. Through collaboration with Tribal Education Departments and other experts, NEFA ensures that Tribal communities are deeply involved in shaping the education of their youth. However, the full potential of NEFA is often hindered by challenges such as insufficient funding, lack of state oversight, and limited awareness of NEFA policies within state education systems.
Upcoming Opportunity: NEFA Professional Learning Institute
We are excited to announce the Native Education for All (NEFA) Professional Learning Institute, a free, five-day workshop taking place in the Twin Cities Area from August 4-8, 2025. This inaugural event, in partnership with local and state Indigenous education organizations, is designed for educators, leaders, and advocates dedicated to supporting the enactment of NEFA mandates. Participants will engage in place-based, community-centered learning to deepen their understanding of Indigenous Education for All (IEFA) and develop tools for integrating Indigenous content into K-12 classrooms.
During this institute, participants will experience field trips to places of Indigenous significance, attend guest lectures from Indigenous experts, and engage in hands-on workshops. It is an essential opportunity for those involved in K-12 education in Minnesota to strengthen their capacity for fostering a culturally responsive curriculum.
Addressing Challenges and Advancing NEFA
Despite these obstacles, NEFA’s promise remains strong. NIEA advocates for greater investment in NEFA policies and provides recommendations for addressing existing challenges, including:
Strengthening partnerships between Tribal Nations and state education systems
Improving policy language and enforcement
Allocating funds for curriculum development and professional learning
Raising awareness of the importance of NEFA
NIEA Priorities for NEFA
The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) is dedicated to supporting the continued growth and success of NEFA. Our priorities include:
Advocating for the passage and enhancement of NEFA legislation and policies at state and local levels
Providing training and professional learning opportunities for Native educators and Tribal leaders
Building the capacity of Tribal Nations to implement NEFA policies and advance educational sovereignty
By working together, we can ensure that all students, Native and non-Native alike, receive a comprehensive education that celebrates the history and contributions of Native peoples.
If you have any questions about Native Education For All (NEFA), please contact Waquin Preston at WPreston@niea.org.