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.

Registration is now open for the 2022 ND Indian Education Summit.
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.
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), Office of Indian/Multicultural Education and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission are pleased to announce the 8th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit (NDIES). This two-day event will be held at the North Dakota State Capitol in Bismarck, ND on July 7-8, 2022. The NDIES is open to all ND educators and is designed to provide professional development and education on best practices in Indian education.
The registration cost includes two full days of dynamic keynotes, educational breakout sessions, cultural presentations, breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, handouts/resource materials, door prizes, and great networking opportunities. Single day rates are not available. Lodging is not included and is not arranged by Summit staff.
- Attendee Registration Fee - $145
- Product Vendor Registration Fee - $100
- Exhibitor (Informational Booth) Registration Fee - $50
- Presenter/Staff Registration Fee - FREE
**On-site registrations will NOT be accepted.**
There is limited space available for this popular event, so be sure to register early. We will only be able to accommodate the first 200 registrants. Registration payments must be made online with a credit card at the time of registration. Payments by cash or check will no longer be accepted for any registrations.
If you have any questions not answered by the following resources (items will be linked when details are finalized), please contact the Indian Education Office.
- REGISTRATION
- 2022 NDIES Agenda
- Featured Keynote Speakers
- Capitol Grounds Map
- Ground Floor Meeting Room Map
- Workshop Credit
- Local Hotel Information (provided by the Bismarck-Mandan Visitor and Convention Bureau)
This year's Vendors (V) and Exhibitors (E) include:
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
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