Indian Education

Montana’s constitutional requirement and duly enacted policy require recognition of the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians and a commitment in our educational goals to  preserve their cultural heritage. Every Montanan, whether Indian or non-Indian, should be encouraged to learn about the distinct and unique heritage of American Indians in a culturally responsive manner. The OPI Indian Education for All (IEFA) Unit works with districts, tribes, and other entities to ensure all schools have the knowledge, tools and resources necessary to honor the IEFA requirement and integrate it into their teaching materials and methods. 

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Indian Education for All Website Tour

In 2007, the Montana State Legislature passed Montana Code Annotated 20-9-330, appropriating funds to school districts to support American Indian students in their educational journey and work to close the statistical achievement gap. The American Indian Student Achievement Specialists provide guidance to districts regarding this funding and are tasked with fulfilling reporting requirements to the Montana State Legislature as outlined in MCA 20-9-330.  As part of the Tribal Student Achievement and Relations unit, a key element of the American Indian Student Achievement Specialists work is to engage Tribes in consultation as outlined in MCA 20-1-502.

American Indian Student Achievement Specialists believe all Montanans stand to benefit from the Indigenous Knowledge that persists today and are dedicated to serving all students through the creation and implementation of Indigenous, whole child supports. 

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The Tribal Student Achievement and Relations Unit (TSAR)  works to share resources and build connections between Montana Tribes, school districts, and the State Education Agency. TSAR works to fulfill federal legislative consultation requirements around matters affecting Montana's Tribal students. 

Through Tribal consultation, TSAR engages sovereign Tribal leaders, Government-to-Government . In 2016, the US Department of Education, through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), outlined new requirements for local education agencies (LEAs) to engage in tribal consultation. The requirements are designed to ensure “timely and meaningful consultation on issues affecting American Indian and Alaska Native students” enabling Tribes and Tribal Organizations “to meaningfully and substantively contribute to plans under covered (educational) programs”.