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 share your successful strategies, resources, and innovative practices for integrating the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians and fostering culturally sustaining pedagogy. We are seeking engaging, practical sessions that demonstrate how you are building strong community relationships and embedding authentic IEFA content into your curriculum across all grade levels.

IEFA Best Practices Conference Flyer

Teresa Veltkamp Award Nomination

Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award for Excellence in Indian Education for All (IEFA).

The Indian Education Division at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is soliciting nominations for this prestigious award, established to honor the legacy of Teresa Veltkamp. Teresa, a beloved classroom teacher and Indian Education Specialist at OPI, was an inspirational advocate committed to ensuring and supporting the highest levels of IEFA implementation across Montana.

Please seize this opportunity to acknowledge and honor an outstanding educator's exceptional efforts in promoting and steadfastly supporting Indian Education for All.

Nomination Deadlines and Award Presentation

  • Nomination Deadline: February 2nd, 2026
  • Award Presentation: The award will be presented during the 19th Annual Indian Education for All Best Practices Conference, held March 23 & 24, at East Helena High School in East Helena MT. 

Teresa Veltkamp Award Nomination Form

Monday Schedule

Schedules coming in March 2026

Montana Historical Society

Tour Information

  • More information to come

 

Class Information

  • More information to come
 

Tuesday Schedule

Schedules coming in March 2026

Merch

 

Vendors

 

Sponsors

 

 


OPI Staff are here to help:

Julie Jeffers, Indian Education Specialist, 406-438-2505

 

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