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Indian Education

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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.  

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Native American Essential Understandings

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 Essential Understandings
Native American Needs Assessment

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.

Native American Needs Assessment
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ESSA Tribal Stakeholder and Tribal Consultation

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.

ESSA Tribal Stakeholder and Tribal Consultation
Indian Education Advisory Council

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
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North Dakota Tribal Nations

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

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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.