ND Native Education for ALL

08/23/2026

The U.S. Department of Education is being systematically dismantled through executive actions. But what does that actually mean for Native students, families, and Tribal Nations?

This week on All My Relations, guest host Dallas Goldtooth sits down with Sedelta Oosahwee (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara & Cherokee), Senior Program & Policy Analyst at the National Education Association, for a powerful conversation about what Native education really looks like today, and what’s at stake for Native students and Tribal Nations.

But this episode is about more than policy. It’s about the teachers who believe in Native youth, the mentors who change lives, the stories that shape us, and the responsibility we all share to create a better future for the next generation.

Along the way, Dallas and Sedelta also share stories from their early 1491s days, reminding us that joy, laughter, and community are just as important as the work itself.

Education is more than classrooms. It’s about relationships, responsibility, culture, and investing in the next generation.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by Matika Wilbur
Hosted by Dallas Goldtooth
AV Production & Editing by Pancho francisco Sánchez reyes
Score by Mato Wayuhi
Artwork & Social Media by Mandy Yeahpau

08/23/2026

The Suquamish Tribe has launched its own Since Time Immemorial curriculum, giving students opportunities to learn Suquamish history, culture, treaty rights and contemporary Tribal life through materials developed by the Tribe.

Approved by the Suquamish Tribal Council on March 23, 2026, the middle- and high-school curriculum was developed for schools across the Tribe’s traditional territory. A digital ribbon cutting for its website was held on August 10.

Lessons cover Suquamish territory, the Treaty of Point Elliott and contemporary issues, with coursework also addressing fishing rights, housing and the culvert case.

The Tribe lists 12 partner school districts and schools, including Seattle Public Schools, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Central Kitsap and North Kitsap. The curriculum is expected to begin being taught during the 2026–27 school year.

The project gives students an opportunity to learn about the Suquamish people as a living, contemporary Tribal Nation, directly through Suquamish-developed educational materials.

What are your thoughts on students learning local Indigenous history directly through tribally developed curriculum? 🪶📚


Sources:
• Suquamish Tribe — Since Time Immemorial Curriculum⁠
• Suquamish Tribe — Education Division⁠
• Suquamish Tribal Council — August 10 agenda⁠
• Washington State law — RCW 28A.320 / Tribal curriculum requirements

08/23/2026

AISES National Conference: Weaving Innovation!

The Annual AISES National Conference is a unique, three-day event focusing on educational, professional, and workforce development for Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers. The conference is open to anyone who wishes to participate and learn!

Click here to learn more: https://conference.aises.org

08/17/2026

Join us for the Seeds for Restoration Webinar on Wednesday, September 16, at 3pm ET, 2pm CT, 1pm MT. Learn what Tribal Nations need to put Native seed on the ground!

Please share with your Tribal leadership, Tribal natural resource staff, and interested community members!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mi93PLn0ROCnWPn-zPQ4-A

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

08/04/2026

Earlier this summer, the NIEA Board of Directors and staff stepped away from our day-to-day work to spend time reflecting, listening, and planning for the future of our organization.

Strategic planning is about more than setting goals. It is about making sure we're asking the right questions, learning from one another, and staying focused on the communities we serve. It was a chance to strengthen our team, build trust, and have honest conversations about where we've been, where we're headed, and how we can better support Native students, educators, Tribal Nations, and communities across the country.

As we looked ahead, we also took time to honor the people who helped build NIEA into what it is today. Their leadership reminds us that the work we do doesn't begin or end with us. We have a responsibility to carry that work forward and continue creating opportunities for future generations.

One thing became especially clear throughout the week: the work of advancing Native education starts with us. When we invest in our team, strengthen our relationships, and learn from one another, we're better equipped to advocate, partner, and serve. That work reaches far beyond our office and into the communities that inspire everything we do.

This wasn't just about writing a strategic plan. It was about taking time to ensure the next chapter of NIEA is built together, with purpose, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Native education.

We're grateful for the time we spent together and excited for the journey ahead.

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

07/27/2026

Every voice strengthens Native education.

NIEA is a community of educators, students, Tribal leaders, families, advocates, researchers, and community members working together to advance Native education through advocacy, collaboration, and shared purpose.

When you become an NIEA member, your voice joins a collective effort to strengthen Native language revitalization, support Tribal sovereignty, advocate for policies that benefit Native students, and expand opportunities for our communities.

Join or renew your membership today and help shape the future of Native education.