Arizona Indian Education Association

09/07/2026

Long before there were classrooms, our people were teaching.

Knowledge was carried through language, story, observation, ceremony, relationships, the land, and generations of people who understood their responsibility to teach those coming after them.

That knowledge is still here.

Native languages, histories, cultures, and ways of knowing are not additions to a student's education. They are part of the foundation from which our students learn and understand the world.

As another school year begins, NIEA honors the educators, language keepers, Elders, families, Tribal Nations, and communities ensuring that the knowledge carried for generations continues to have a place in the education of the next.

Our knowledge has always belonged here.

09/03/2026

Support our fellow and AWESOME AIEA Vice President Helen by adding her co-authored book to your Indigenous library!

📚 We are proud to celebrate NIEA Professional Learning Manager Helen Thomas, who is a coauthor of the newly released book, Teaching Indigenous Studies: An Introduction for K–12 Educators, alongside Leilani Sabzalian and Meredith L. McCoy.

Created for elementary and secondary educators, this resource offers foundational knowledge and practical strategies for teaching Indigenous studies with greater respect, responsibility, and care. It explores essential concepts such as sovereignty, survivance, relationality, Indigenous pedagogies, and the responsibilities educators carry when bringing Indigenous histories, identities, and knowledges into the classroom.

Helen’s contribution reflects the thoughtful leadership she brings to NIEA’s work and her continued commitment to supporting educators and strengthening learning for Native students.

We encourage educators, school leaders, curriculum specialists, and others committed to more responsible Indigenous education to add this important resource to their professional libraries.

Learn more or purchase your copy: https://www.routledge.com/Teaching-Indigenous-Studies-An-Introduction-for-K-12-Educators/Sabzalian-McCoy-Thomas/p/book/9781032739403

Please join us in congratulating Helen and her fellow authors on this meaningful contribution to the field!

09/01/2026

Native languages carry the knowledge, identity, and connections that sustain our communities across generations.
On October 6, Native language educators, advocates, Tribal leaders, students, and community partners will gather in Buffalo for the 2026 National Language Summit.

Together, participants will share what is working, strengthen relationships, and explore the future of Native language education through focused conversations on language nests, K-12 schools and immersion, community-based revitalization, policy, funding, and sustainability.

Whether your community is beginning a language program or building upon generations of language work, there is a place for your experience and voice in this gathering.

📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026
📍 Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
🎟️ Free registration

Space is limited. Register today:
https://ow.ly/HE9950ZHmqj

08/30/2026

08/27/2026

The U.S. Department of Education (ED), in coordination with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), will host two virtual Tribal Consultations on upcoming federal education grantmaking and budget priorities:

FY 2027 Grantmaking Priorities
Thursday, August 27, 2026
2:30–5:30 p.m. ET

FY 2028 Budget Priorities
Friday, August 28, 2026
2:30–5:30 p.m. ET

These consultations provide an important opportunity for Tribal leaders to help inform federal decisions affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.

Individual registration is required for each participant. Written comments will also be accepted through September 28 for FY 2027 grantmaking priorities and September 29 for FY 2028 budget priorities.

Learn more and register: https://hubs.la/Q04vzqpZ0

08/26/2026

Alongside our partners, we successfully fought to make real the Montana constitution’s promise of an inclusive education.

Our settlement establishes accountability measures to ensure this critical material is taught and that Tribal Nations help shape it.

08/23/2026

✨ Modern Arizona Trailblazers: Ofelia Zepeda

Language carries culture, identity, and history.

A professor, poet, and member of the Tohono O'odham Nation, Ofelia Zepeda has dedicated her career to preserving Indigenous language and culture while inspiring generations of students throughout Arizona. Her work has earned statewide and national recognition, including induction into the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame.

Her legacy proves that preserving culture is one of the greatest gifts we can leave future generations.

08/22/2026

Welcome back Jacks! The Office of Native American and Indigenous Advancement and Office of Indigenous Student Success families are so excited to have you on campus. Stop by anytime!

08/19/2026

The University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care made history today by announcing the nation's first MD-granting medical school branch located on a Tribal Nation.

Beginning in 2027, ten students will be admitted annually to University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix's three-year Primary Care Accelerated Program at the Gila River Branch.

Students will complete the first 18 months of their medical education in Phoenix before relocating to Sacaton, Arizona for the final 18 months of clinical education. Students will receive full tuition scholarships funded by GRHC: ow.ly/c8Jx50ZB9L4

08/18/2026

Join us on Wednesday, August 26 for a Sunrise Ceremony - celebrating the new academic year and our U of A community. Enjoy the early morning with a 6:00 a.m. blessing, followed by breakfast at NASA. Mark your calendars, we hope to see you there!
🗓️ August 26, 2026 | 6-8 a.m., hold till 9:00 a.m. for a leisurely breakfast
📍 UA Mall & Room 201 @ NASA