Congress has a special responsibility to act in a spirit of cooperation with tribes to fulfill the treaty promises made by our respective ancestors. Despite positive advances, Indian students continue to face systemic barriers to achievement. Improved education is essential to economic development, poverty alleviation, and self-governance in Indian Country.
Direct funding allows tribal communities to continue direct their own programs.
Ensure Native children safe and healthy schools. Many Indian children attend schools which do not meet modern health and safety standards. Their schools are burdened with crowded classrooms, inadequate heating and air conditioning, and leaking roofs, sewers, and plumbing, and are in worse physical conditions than many inner city schools. We urge Congress to provide full funding for safe schools for Native students. Fully fund the Indian Health Service to meet the health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives.