National Indian Head Start Directors Association

09/03/2026

🎉 BIG NEWS FOR TRIBAL HEAD START!

NIHSDA is excited to share the introduction of the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act (S. 5299) by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Alan Armstrong (R-OK)!

This bipartisan legislation recognizes something Tribal Head Start programs have long known: the strongest educators bring together professional preparation with the language, culture, traditions, and community knowledge that Native children deserve.

The bill would give Tribes greater flexibility to determine how educators can meet Head Start qualification requirements, including recognizing Early Childhood Education certificates—such as those offered by Tribal Colleges and Universities—as an alternative pathway to qualification. It would also create greater opportunities for fluent Native language speakers and other qualified community members to bring their knowledge into Head Start classrooms.

For NIHSDA, this legislation represents an important step toward addressing the workforce challenges facing Tribal Head Start programs while strengthening Tribal self-determination and preserving Native languages and cultures for future generations.

No Tribal child should lose access to Head Start because a classroom sits empty for lack of a qualified teacher.

NIHSDA extends our sincere appreciation to Senators Heinrich and Armstrong for listening to Tribal Head Start programs and working across the aisle to advance this important legislation. We are also grateful to the Tribal leaders, Head Start directors, TCUs, and national partners whose voices and support helped bring this effort forward.

📣 We look forward to working with our members and partners to build support for S. 5299 and move this legislation through Congress!

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Alan Armstrong (R-Okla.) introduced the Native Language Educators in Classrooms Act,...

08/19/2026

Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

08/08/2026

07/21/2026

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) has opened a $10 million funding opportunity to support Native language preservation and revitalization projects across the United States.

Announced on July 8, 2026, the Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance program is expected to award 12 grants ranging from $100,000 to $900,000. The funding will support projects such as language-status assessments, curriculum development, language restoration, immersion education, and community-led language learning initiatives.

Eligible applicants include federally recognized Tribes, state-recognized and incorporated Tribes, Alaska Native organizations, Native Hawaiian-serving agencies, Urban Indian organizations, Native community nonprofits, and other eligible Native organizations.

Many Indigenous language programs rely on short-term grants despite working to preserve languages for future generations. The Administration for Native Americans says these awards are intended to help communities develop and strengthen long-term, community-controlled language revitalization efforts.

Applications are due by August 7, 2026.

Every Indigenous language carries generations of knowledge—what are your thoughts? 🪶



Sources:
• Administration for Native Americans (ANA) – Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance Funding Opportunity
• Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Official Notice of Funding Opportunity.
• Grants. gov – Native American Language Preservation and Maintenance Program.

06/24/2026

06/23/2026

05/18/2026

04/22/2026

This week at Parents Unite, the AIAN Team joined parents from across the nation to advocate for what matters most - our children and our communities.

Head Start in Tribal communities is essential. It supports not only school readiness, but also cultural identity, language preservation, and strong family connections. These programs are a lifeline for many families and deserve continued investment and protection.

Thank you to the incredible parents and staff who shared their voices and experiences. Your stories make a difference.