2011-21: Support Full Participation and Access for All Natives – Federal and State – in the Title VII Programs Under Reauthorization.

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, NIEA as the largest national Indian organization of American Indian, 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 its’ unique relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established programs and resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA supports Native language and culture programs for all Native children; and

WHEREAS, the Congressional intent of the US Department of Education, Title VII programs funded under No Child Left Behind/Elementary and Secondary Education Act are to support the unique education and learning needs of all Native students; and

WHEREAS, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs mark of the S.1262, the Native CLASS Act, proposes amendments to restrict access to State recognized Native children for Title VII programs and educational supports; now

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NIEA supports full participation and access for ALL Natives – Federal and State – in the reauthorization of the ESEA Title VII programs to meet the unique educational needs which include cultural and language based programs.