The Journey of American Indian Education: A Five-Year Review of American Indian Education Laws, Policies and Initiatives

In addition to showcasing the shared commitment to Indian education through the CIE-AIPI

collaboration, this document aims to establish a foundational overview for content featured in

the CIE Policy Corner blog by examining the current landscape of Indian education. T o fully

absorb the content within this document and future publications, it is essential to understand

four key elements: First, this document defines the “current” state of education as the past five

years (2019-2024), a period that encompasses significant shifts in Indian education both pre-

and post-pandemic, offering a contemporary perspective on the field. Second, the terms

Indigenous, Native American, and American Indian are used interchangeably. It is vital to

acknowledge and respect that preferences may vary by individual or community and usage of

specific terms should be context-sensitive, acknowledging historical and cultural nuances. Third,

this document is designed to offer an informative overview of the past five years, recognizing

that some aspects may be omitted, with the intention of highlighting notable advancements and

their alignment with historical documents that underscore the federal and local governments’

obligations to effectively serve Indigenous students. Finally, Indian education is examined within

a K-16 framework, encompassing both the K-12 sy