2016-01: National Native American Hall of Fame

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, there is a need to provide contemporary Native American role models as inspiration for Native American youth; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to prevent stereotyping of Native Americans in historical and educational materials; and

WHEREAS, although there are many resources and places to learn about Native Americans from the “old times”, it is difficult to locate places that provide comprehensive information on contemporary Native American achievements, and

WHEREAS, the National Native American Hall of Fame will provide generational continuity with the past, while honoring Native Americans in modern society, and

WHEREAS, the National Native American Hall of Fame will recognize and honor significant achievements of Native American individuals, groups and organizations from the U.S. Civil War, to present day, in over twenty different categories.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NIEA supports the concept behind the establishment of a National Native American Hall of Fame through a vote of its members, and issuance of this resolution.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NIEA until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.