Introduction Tribal, federal, and state governments are all sovereigns and all have education rights and responsibilities. But the federal and state governments are far too removed from the focal point of Indian education, Indian students' performance. It is time to give Indian education authority to those tribal governments that seek the responsibility. It is time to empower the governments that are closest to the children, to the governments that have the largest stake in the problems and the solutions. The time is right for tribal control of Indian education.
Tribal governments recognize their responsibilities.
Tribal governments seek ways to increase their legal and structural capabilities. Education holds the future for tribes and tribes have the biggest stake in their children's education. Yet some officials and educators still seek the status quo and question tribal control. Following are some of those questions with reasons that show why tribes must be given the responsibility. Under current federal law, tribes can control tribal schools and some aspects of federal schools.