Indian Education

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.

See below for details. Additional information will continue to be added as it becomes available.
North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings

This is the home of the North Dakota Native American Essential Understandings (NDNAEU) as well as a growing collection of Elder video interviews, lesson plans and other resources.

Essential Understandings
Native American Needs Assessment Survey & 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 Survey.

Needs Assessment
North Dakota ESSA Tribal Stakeholder and Tribal Consultation

 A 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.

ESSA Tribal Consultation
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.

Indian Education Advisory Council

The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), Office of Indian/Multicultural Education and the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission are excited to host our 12th Annual North Dakota Indian Education Summit (NDIES) on July 28 & 29, 2026, at the ND State Capitol building in Bismarck ND.

The Indian Education Summit is designed to provide professional development and education on best practices in Indian education and is open to all ND educators. 

The event will include two full days of dynamic keynotes, educational breakout sessions, cultural presentations, breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, product vendors, informational booths, handouts/resource materials, valuable door prizes, and great networking opportunities.

2026 Registration Categories and Fees

  • Early Bird Attendee Registration Fee (April 6 - May 24) - $175
  • Attendee Registration Fee (May 24 - July 5) - $200
  • Late Attendee Registration Fee (July 6 - 20) - $250
  • Product Vendor Fee (7:30a - 4:30p, both days) - $100
  • Informational Exhibitor Fee (11:00a - 1:00p, both days) - $50
  • Presenter Registration - FREE

**On-site registrations are NOT accepted.**

This year's keynote speakers will once again raise the bar! We are very excited to have two wonderful keynotes as well as two very informative general sessions, in addition to a fantastic breakout session lineup. 

2026 Keynotes

  • Day 1 - Martin Sensmeier
    • Actor, Model, Native Youth Advocate
    • Session title TBA
  • Day 2 - Nadine Groenig

 

Links will be added as information is finalized:

  • 2026 ND Indian Education Summit Agenda

  • 2026 Indian Education Summit Breakout Session Schedule

  • 2026 Keynote and General Session Overviews w/Presenter Bios

  • 2026 Session Overviews w/Presenter Bios

  • Capitol Ground Floor and Complex Maps

  • Continuing Education Credit 

  • 2026 Bismarck Hotel Rate Sheet - not an all inclusive list, but provides information on several options in the area. The ND Indian Education Summit does not reserve, book, or fund hotel stays for attendees, vendors, or exhibitors.

  • 2025 Thank You - Sponsors, Exhibitors, Presenters, Planning Committee

If you have any questions please contact the Indian Education Office.

If you or your business would like to sponsor the 11th annual ND Indian Education Summit in July 2025, at any level through monetary donations or door prize donations, please contact the Indian Education Office.

The generous 2025 event sponsors 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