2014-05: Support for Continuation of NIEA Legislative Summit

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 Native, 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 Natives, and Native Hawaiians, residing on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, NIEA has sponsored a Legislative Summit annually for the last 15 years; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA Legislative Summit has a strong record of accomplishment and positive impact on American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian educational priorities; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA Legislative Summit provides NIEA members an opportunity to engage congressional members and Administration officials; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA Legislative Summit creates a venue to hold congressional briefings, consultation hearings, congressional hearings, congressional member meetings, Native youth participation, NIEA policy briefings, and budget advocacy opportunities for NIEA members to gain valuable experience in advancing legislative proposals; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA Legislative Summit links congressional members to their tribal and Native constituents and facilitates a heightened understanding by congressional members concerning the conditions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian education; and

WHEREAS, the NIEA Legislative Summit is a membership service to the members of NIEA;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association Board and Executive Director are directed to continue the tradition of the NIEA Legislative Summit and raise the necessary resources to execute the organization of the NIEA Legislative Summit; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association will facilitate congressional meetings between NIEA members who register for the NIEA Legislative Summit and their congressional representatives; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that NIEA based on resources available will take the necessary steps to ensure the optimal participation in order to secure meeting space, a host hotel, and market the event to NIEA members so that they may be able to participate in the annual NIEA Legislative Summit.