NIEA Testimonials and Hearings
NIEA membership and leadership are often asked to provide their insight on the needs of Native educators and students. Click on the links below to view speeches and read transcripts from past hearings. Please check back to this page as we archive additional speeches, testimonials and hearings.
July 15, 2011: H.R. 2445 `State and Local Funding Flexibility Act'
On June 23, 2011, The “State and Local Funding Flexibility Act” passed
through the House Education and Workforce Committee Wednesday.
The bill,
part of the ongoing bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Johnson era
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), would allow states and
districts to transfer federal funding originally intended as Title VII and Title I
grants for underprivileged children to use for other programs and
activities.
Here is our letter and testimony.
June 30, 2011: NIEA Video: HEARING on S. 1262, the Native Culture, Language, and Access for Success in Schools Act
On June 23, 2011, Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii), Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced a bill to improve the education of Native people, the Native Culture, Language and Access for Success in Schools (Native CLASS) Act. One week later, they held a public hearing with key witnesses to solicit input and recommendations on the Native CLASS Act that will be open until July 14, 2011. Their webcast, testimony and witness list are listed at the Committee website.
Here is a copy of the bill, Native CLASS Act (S. 1262).
You can submit your comments to the Committee at their website here. We encourage you to read the bill first before you submit your comments.
May 5, 2011:
NIEA Video: OVERSIGHT HEARING on "The Success of Native Language & Culture-Based Education"
May 5, 2011:
NIEA Video: OVERSIGHT HEARING on "The Impact of Racist Stereotypes on Indigenous People"
NIEA State of Native Education Address A hallmark of the annual NIEA Legislative Summit is the State of Native Education Address. This speech, typically given by the NIEA President, sets the tone of what issues NIEA will address for the upcoming year.
2011: NIEA President Mary Jane Oatman - Wak Wak,
Nez Perce
Click here to download the full transcript
2010: NIEA Vice President Dr. Terresa Makuakane-Drechsel,
Native HawaiianClick here to download the full transcript
2009: NIEA President Robert Cook,
Oglala LakotaClick here to download the full transcript
U.S. Congressional Testimonies
NIEA leadership are regularly invited to testify before Congressional committee meetings, typically regarding Native education and the national budget. Please see recent testimonies below.
- Testimony of Patricia Whitefoot before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Feb. 25, 2010
- Testimony of Patricia Whitefoot before the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Subcommittee about the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Mar. 18, 2010
- Testimony of Patricia Whitefoot before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Interior Appropriations, Mar. 23, 2010
- Testimony of Quinton Roman Nose before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, May 13, 2010
- Testimony of Dr. Willard Sakiestewa Gilbert before the U.S. House of Representatives Education and Labor Subcommittee about Challenges Facing BIE Schools, Sept. 9, 2008
Hearings in Indian Country
NIEA occasionally conducts hearings to better understand the needs of Indian County's educators and students. We also often partner with other organizations to assist them in these sessions. Below are transcripts from hearings around the nation.NIEA Regional Hearing in Seattle, WA, Aug. 13, 2008
NIEA Regional Hearing in Rapid City, SD, July 10, 2008
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