National Indian Education Association

National Indian Education Association To donate, please visit our website: http://niea.org/About/Donate.aspx

The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) advances comprehensive educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians throughout the United States Through advocacy, research, and capacity-building efforts, we advance high-quality teaching and culturally based curriculum in schools; support traditional Native language and cultures in classrooms; help Tribal an

d Native communities choose high-quality education and control educational for their children; and develop and bolster research into the conditions of education of -- and solutions for -- Native students.

Every year, the NIEA Convention brings together educators, Tribal leaders, students, researchers, partners, and advocate...
08/25/2026

Every year, the NIEA Convention brings together educators, Tribal leaders, students, researchers, partners, and advocates from across Indian Country with one shared purpose: strengthening Native education.

It's a place to learn from one another, build lasting relationships, celebrate Native cultures, and discover new ideas that can make a difference in your classrooms, schools, and communities.

Whether you're attending for the first time or returning to reconnect with colleagues and friends, you'll find a community that welcomes you.

Join us October 7-10, 2026, in Buffalo, New York, for the 2026 NIEA Convention.
Strength in Community: Building the Future Together

Learn more and register at niea.org

We hope to see you in Buffalo this October.

As Native students walk into classrooms this fall, they carry more than books and backpacks.They carry the languages of ...
08/24/2026

As Native students walk into classrooms this fall, they carry more than books and backpacks.

They carry the languages of their ancestors. The lessons of their families. The strength of their communities. The histories of their Nations. And dreams that are entirely their own.

Education should never ask our students to leave those parts of themselves behind.

This school year, we hope every Native student enters the classroom knowing:
Who you are belongs here.
Where you come from matters.
And there is so much ahead of you.

We’re wishing Native students everywhere a school year filled with belonging, discovery, and opportunities to become even more of who they already are.

Strong partnerships create stronger learning environments.NIEA recently partnered with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indi...
08/21/2026

Strong partnerships create stronger learning environments.

NIEA recently partnered with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to facilitate Indigenous Empowerment and Resilience (Blanket Exercise) training for educators and leaders from the Salt River Schools Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).

Working closely with the Center's Culture Team, NIEA customized the training to reflect the histories, cultures, and perspectives of the Onk Akimel O'odham and Xalychidom Piipaash peoples. This community-centered approach created a professional learning experience that was meaningful, locally grounded, and directly connected to the educators serving Native children and families.

As educators prepared for a new school year, the training provided a shared foundation for understanding the local community, strengthening culturally responsive teaching practices, and building deeper connections with the students and families they serve.

We are grateful to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community for the opportunity to learn and work together and look forward to continuing this partnership.



Pictured (left to right): Helen Thomas, Nakina Mills, and Dezi Lynn of the National Indian Education Association.

Congratulations to Theresa Plata on completing the Communities In Schools Program Manager Leadership Development Program...
08/18/2026

Congratulations to Theresa Plata on completing the Communities In Schools Program Manager Leadership Development Program!

Theresa, NIEA's Tribal Communities In Schools Regional Coordinator, was one of just 20 program managers from across the Communities In Schools network selected for the third cohort of this national leadership development program.

From August through May, Theresa participated in three in-person trainings and ongoing virtual learning focused on strengthening leadership, coaching practices, and connections among program managers across the CIS network.

Reflecting on the experience, Theresa shared:

“Completing the CIS Program Manager Leadership Development Program has been a transformative experience. It has strengthened my leadership skills, expanded my perspective, and prepared me to make a greater impact for my team, organization, and community.”

Throughout the program, Theresa also had the opportunity to bring the perspective of Tribal Communities In Schools into conversations with her peers, sharing the importance of culturally centered supports for Native students, meaningful engagement with local Tribal Nations, and integrated student supports that reflect the communities they serve.

Her participation also marks a special point of pride for NIEA. TCIS Director Donna Richey participated in the inaugural cohort, meaning both NIEA TCIS leaders have been selected for the program since its launch.

Congratulations, Theresa, on this accomplishment and for continuing to bring Native education and community-centered approaches into spaces across the national CIS network!

Kinda chic to know what’s happening in Native education. ✨Kinda chic to support Native students.Kinda chic to advocate f...
08/14/2026

Kinda chic to know what’s happening in Native education. ✨

Kinda chic to support Native students.
Kinda chic to advocate for Tribal sovereignty.
Kinda chic to protect Native languages.
Kinda chic to show up for Native educators.
Kinda chic to be part of a community building the future together.

Some things are more than a trend.

For more than 56 years, NIEA has worked alongside Tribal Nations, educators, students, families, and communities to strengthen Native education across the country.

And we’re just getting started.

The NIEA Board of Directors has approved forwarding proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments to the membership for con...
08/10/2026

The NIEA Board of Directors has approved forwarding proposed Constitution and Bylaw amendments to the membership for consideration during the 2026 NIEA Elections.

The proposal includes recommended changes to regional representation on the NIEA Board of Directors while maintaining a 12-member Board.

We encourage all voting members to review the proposal, including the background, proposed regional map, community engagement process, and full Constitution and Bylaw language before voting.

Read the full proposal at https://www.niea.org/proposed-constitution-bylaw-amendments

Voting on the proposed amendments will take place during the 2026 NIEA Elections on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the 57th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade Show in Buffalo, New York.

You'll notice something new.Today, we're excited to introduce an updated NIEA logo.For more than 56 years, the National ...
08/10/2026

You'll notice something new.

Today, we're excited to introduce an updated NIEA logo.

For more than 56 years, the National Indian Education Association has worked alongside Tribal Nations, educators, students, families, and communities to advance Native education.
As we refreshed our logo, it was important to honor that history and the original intent of its design, not replace it.

The updated logo remains rooted in that legacy while bringing greater clarity and distinction to the NIEA letters, helping our organization be more easily recognized wherever our work takes us.

While our visual identity has evolved, our commitment has not. We remain dedicated to advocating for Native education, supporting Tribal sovereignty in education, and building a stronger future together.

You'll begin seeing our updated logo across our website, publications, Convention materials, and member communications in the coming weeks.

Thank you for being part of the NIEA community.

Building the Future Together.

Good news!Due to continued interest and requests from attendees who are finalizing travel plans, coordinating group regi...
08/10/2026

Good news!

Due to continued interest and requests from attendees who are finalizing travel plans, coordinating group registrations, and securing approvals, we've extended the Early Bird registration rate for the 57th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade Show.

You now have through Friday, August 14, to secure Early Bird pricing and join us in Buffalo, New York, October 7–10, 2026.

If you're planning to attend, now is the perfect time to register. For even greater value, consider the Premium Membership + Convention Registration Combo, which includes a full year of Premium Membership along with your Convention registration.

We look forward to welcoming educators, Tribal leaders, students, language advocates, researchers, and partners from across Indian Country as we come together under this year's theme, Strength in Community: Building the Future Together.

📅 New Early Bird Deadline: Friday, August 14
📍 Buffalo, New York
🔗 Register today at NIEA.org

Why Student Day? Because some of the most meaningful learning happens when students see themselves reflected in the peop...
08/07/2026

Why Student Day? Because some of the most meaningful learning happens when students see themselves reflected in the people around them.

Student Day at the 57th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade Show is a one-day experience designed for Native students in grades 6–12 to explore identity, strengthen leadership, build lasting connections, and explore their future.

Grounded in this year's theme, Strength in Community: Building the Future Together, Student Day brings Native youth together for a day of shared learning, meaningful conversations, and community-centered experiences.

Students will participate in engaging workshops and sessions focused on:
• Language revitalization
• Student voice and advocacy
• Mental health and well-being
• Digital sovereignty and creative expression
• Financial aid and scholarship readiness
• College and career exploration

Hosted at Buffalo RiverWorks, Student Day provides a unique opportunity for students to learn alongside Native peers, mentors, educators, and leaders from across Indian Country while building connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

Student Day is FREE for all students in grades 6–12.

📅 Friday, October 9, 2026
📍 Buffalo RiverWorks | Buffalo, New York

Reserve your students' spot today at niea.org

Tomorrow is your last opportunity to secure the Early Bird registration rate for the 57th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade...
08/06/2026

Tomorrow is your last opportunity to secure the Early Bird registration rate for the 57th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade Show.

The conversations, ideas, and connections made at Convention continue long after the closing session. From professional learning and policy discussions to Native language revitalization, student programming, and community building, this is where people from across Indian Country come together to share knowledge and shape the future of Native education.

If you're planning to join us in Buffalo, now is the time to register.

For even greater value, consider the Premium Membership + Convention Registration Combo, which includes a full year of Premium Membership along with your Convention registration.
Secure your Early Bird rate by Friday, August 7.

We'll see you in Buffalo.

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1514 P Street NW, Ste B
Washington D.C., DC
20005

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