The unique historical relationship between Tribal Nations and the United States government is a special federal-Indian relationship. This federal-Indian relationship was shaped by the United States Constitution and treaties, and as living documents, the United States Constitution and treaties between tribal Nations is the foundation for the special federal “fiduciary” responsibility for the education of Native learners.
Under various pieces of federal legislation, the United States Congress has stipulated that its responsibility is to ensure that educational programs for all American Indian students and adults meet specific criteria. These programs should (a) focus on high-quality, internationally competitive content and performance standards and (b) reinforce the Indian culture and the Indian community.
The U.S. Office of Indian Education in Washington directly offers a number of programs. These programs may be offered to schools through Formula Grants, Demonstration Grants, and Professional Development Grants.
North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings
This is the home of the newly adopted North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings (NDNAEU) as well as a growing collection of Elder video interviews, lesson plans and other resources.
Native American Needs Assessment & Action Plan
The Native American Needs Assessment Action Plan is designed to assist educators and administrators in addressing the needs and areas of possible opportunity that have been identified through the annual Native American Needs Assessment.
North Dakota ESSA Tribal Stakeholder and Tribal Consultation
A new requirement under Section 8538 of ESSA requires affected Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to consult with Indian Tribes and tribal agencies on issues affecting Native American students.
North Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council
North Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council is to act in an advisory role to the department in matters affecting the education of Indian students in North Dakota.
Spirit Lake Tribe
P.O. Box 359
Fort Totten, ND 58335
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
P.O. Box D
Fort Yates, ND 58538
Three Affiliated Tribes-MHA Nation
HC3 Box 2
New Town, ND 58763
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians
P.O. Box 900
Belcourt, ND 58316
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
7 Chestnut St E,
Sisseton, SD 57262
- Native Voices Books
- Financial Aid Guide for Minority Students
- Menu of Possible Interventions of Native American Students
- North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission
- Strategies for Addressing Student and Teacher Absenteeism: A Literature Review (NCCC-MCREL)
- Culturally Sensitive Lesson Plans and Activities for Thanksgiving
After careful consideration, the ND Department of Public Instruction, Indian/Multicultural Education Unit and the ND Indian Affairs Commission have come to the decision to cancel the 2020 North Dakota Indian Education Summit previously scheduled for July 16-17, 2020. The decision to cancel is a safety precaution regarding large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the cancellation is delivered with a heavy heart, all involved agree it is imperative to #NDSmart during these uncertain and trying times.
The ND Indian Education Summit will return in 2021 with an educational and engaging lineup of keynote addresses, breakout sessions, and cultural presentations designed specifically for our ND educators. In the meantime, we must continue to exercise caution and patience amid our desire to get back to some form of normal life. Our health, and the health of our neighbors, must take priority so we can stay strong and move forward.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We are all in this together, and we will get through it together.
Below are links to North Dakota State Universities, Tribal Colleges, organizational scholarships, along with links to other opportunities.
North Dakota State Universities
- University of North Dakota
- Dickinson State University
- Mayville State University
- Valley City State University
- Bismarck State College
- Dakota College at Bottineau
- North Dakota State College of Science
- Williston State College
Tribal Colleges
- Cankdeska Cikana Community College
- Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish Community College
- Sitting Bull College
- Turtle Mountain Community College
- United Tribes Technical College
Organizational Scholarship
Opportunities
- North Dakota Indian Scholarship
- North Dakota Science Teachers Association
- National Science Foundation
- 45+ Scholarships for Minority Students