Best Practice Conference 2026

Thanks to all who attended and participated in the conference! You are all IEFA Champions!

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Indian Education for All (IEFA) Unit invites you to the 2026 IEFA Best Practices Conference. March 23rd and 24th, East Helena High School, "We Are All Related: Planting the Seeds of Knowledge, Growing Our Montana Story."

This is a vital opportunity to learn about successful strategies, resources, and innovative practices for integrating the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians and fostering culturally sustaining pedagogy. We have engaging, practical sessions that demonstrate how teachers are building strong community relationships and embedding authentic IEFA content into curriculum across all grade levels.

Full Conference Agenda - Includes all workshop descriptions and conference logistics

Click the image to open the IEFA Best Practices Program Booklet

Teresa Veltkamp Award Recipients

2026 IEFA Award Recipients

2026 IEFA Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. Murton McCluskey

Dr Murton McCluskey is a member of the Blackfeet Nation who has worked his entire life passionately to improve education opportunities for Indian children in our Great State. Murt was one of several trailblazers in Montana Indian Education starting in the early 70s who worked with others to promote Article X, Section 2 of the Montana Constitution. Murt spent many years working with OPI developing relevant materials to be used by teachers, administrators, Indian parents, and school boards. A few examples are: A Curriculum Guide to Learning About American Indians, Your Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Powwows, and Montana Indians: Their History & Location.
A few of the many honors and awards Murt has received throughout his long Career: the National Indian Education Association NIEA Educator of the Year, Montana Education Association MEA Human Relations Award and the Montana Indian Education Association MIEA Educator of the Year!

2026 Theresa Veltkamp Award Recipients

Chris Clairmont (Superior School District): As an educator and coach, Chris demonstrates the power of IEFA integration both in the classroom and on the field, fostering an environment of respect, resilience, and historical accuracy.

Josephine Crisologo (Rosebud School): A true multidisciplinary leader, Josephine integrates IEFA across ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies, proving that Indian Education for All is a foundational element of every academic discipline.

Lavonna Little Owl - Real Bird (Hardin Public Schools): Working in a Dual-Immersion Preschool classroom, Lavonna is at the forefront of language revitalization and early childhood cultural excellence, ensuring Montana’s youngest learners begin their journey rooted in identity.

Darla Stone (Beartooth Elementary, Billings): A dedicated 4th-grade teacher and Advisor for the Billings Student Tribal Council. Darla is recognized for her leadership in elevating student voices and creating pathways for urban Indian youth to lead within their school community.

Clint Valandra (Skyview High School & Castle Rock Middle School, Billings): Serving as an Indigenous Education Mentor and Cultural Specialist, Clint provides vital cultural context and mentorship, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern secondary education.

2026 OPI Staff IEFA Champion Award - Katrina Engeldrum (OPI Math Instructional Coordinator)

Katrina is a Montana educator and statewide leader who is passionate about ensuring that math education is relevant and connected to the human experience. This past year, she has been committed to developing statewide resources that help teachers integrate IEFA within the revised K–12 mathematics standards, and collaborating with Indigenous knowledge keepers, tribal education departments, IEFA advocates, and community partners. She also demonstrates long-standing dedication to leadership development through more than a decade of volunteer service with collegiate women’s leadership organizations at the University of Montana, University of Eastern Washington, and University of Wyoming.

The Indian Education Division extends its deepest gratitude to these individuals. Their work ensures that the spirit of the Montana Constitution—which recognizes the distinct and unique cultural heritage of American Indians—is not just a legal mandate, but a lived reality for every student.