2007-15: Inclusion of Native Hawaiian and Alaska Natives in amendments to appropriate sections of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special education needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people;and

WHEREAS, through the unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non—-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, all Native Americans share unique educational challenges related to their history as indigenous peoples incorporated into the United States ofAmerica;

WHEREAS, present draft amendments to the NCLB received from the Congress do not sufficiently include and represent the Native American constituency of the NIEA;

WHEREAS, all Native Americans must stand together in unity to assure that out children receive equal opportunities from the federal government based upon their unique indigenous status, language, and cultural history,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Indian Education Association calls upon the Congress to include Native Hawaiians and Alaska Native in amendments to appropriate sections of NCLB.