Office of U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
WASHINGTON – Last night, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-Neb.) National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It now heads to the president’s desk.
The legislation would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University.
“Native voices deserve to be heard in decisions that directly impact their communities, and too often Tribal Colleges and Universities are excluded from the federal funding decision-making process,” said Senator Fischer. “It’s time TCUs have a seat at the table, and that’s what this legislation delivers—I encourage President Biden to sign it.”
"Today is a historic moment for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) with the passage of the NACIE Improvement Act. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senator Fischer of Nebraska for her leadership and vision in championing this cause. We also thank the members of the Senate and House for their bipartisan support in advancing this vital, long-overdue legislation,” said Manoj Patil, President of Little Priest Tribal College.
“Requiring A Tribal College president on the NACIE board was a needed step forward in making sure all of the educational entities that serve Native American learners have a voice on the similar challenges that we all face,” said Dr. Michael Oltrogge, the President of Nebraska Indian Community College. “Working together we can make Native America stronger!”
“With great appreciation, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium would like to thank Senator Deb Fischer and her colleagues for sponsoring and ushering the NACIE Improvement Act into law. Now, with the requirement of at least one TCU President appointed to the NACIE council, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) will have a voice on matters related to American Indian and Alaska Native Higher Education,” said AIHEC President & CEO Ahniwake Rose. “The passage allows our Tribal Colleges and Universities to have greater input on federal funding discussions impacting their students and programs and bolsters the critical role they play in advancing the educational and economic well-being of Native communities.”
“As a Tribal College graduate, I am extremely grateful for the strong foundation it has provided me as I serve the Winnebago people. By requiring a Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) President to serve on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), the NACIE Improvement Act ensures that TCU voices are heard during important discussions regarding funding and administration of critical programs that help shape the next generation of Tribal leaders. The Winnebago Tribe would like to thank Senator Fischer for championing this effort, and we look forward to the President signing the bill into law,” said Chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Victoria Kitcheyan.
Senator Fischer’s bipartisan, bicameral legislation unanimously passed the Senate last year. It was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mon.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). And it was introduced in the House by Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO-2). The legislation now heads to the president’s desk.
Background
The Department of Education’s Tribal advisory group, the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE), advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving Tribes and their members. NACIE releases an annual report, but the Department of Education does not have a process for considering NACIE’s report when developing its budget request.
Additionally, Department of Education tribal consultation sessions often do not provide the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input.
The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act would address these challenges by:
- Requiring at least one of NACIE’s members be the president of a Tribal College or University
Text of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act can be found here.