National Indian Education Association

Conventions: NIEAs annual convention serves as a cornerstone for bringing educators, advocates, and community leaders together to share best practices and build a collaborative educational community that supports all students. Hosted in various regions across the U.S., the convention ensures broad representation of Native and non-Native educators, school leaders, parents, students, tribal leadership, researchers, and allies. Through dynamic discussions, networking opportunities, and the exchange of innovative strategies, attendees engage in meaningful conversations on education, culture, and language. By fostering connections and strengthening collective efforts, NIEAs convention empowers educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments for Native students.

Other Program Services: NIEA is deeply committed to strengthening Native education through impactful programs that directly support schools, educators, and tribal communities. Through our national resource center, NIEA collaborates with schools, teachers, administrators, and researchers to provide professional development opportunities, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic guidance designed to equip Native youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, careers, and life. A key component of our work includes supporting Tribal Communities in Schools and ensuring that Native students receive culturally responsive education that reflects their heritage, language, and traditions. By working directly with tribal leadership and local educators, NIEA helps integrate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms, creating learning environments where Native students thrive. Additionally, NIEA invests in professional development by offering advocacy training, technical assistance, webinars, and fact sheetsensuring that educators and advocates have the tools they need to drive meaningful change. Rooted in our founding principles, NIEA remains a trusted resource in convening educators, promoting the preservation of Native languages and cultures, and advancing policies that strengthen Native education systems. With the support of our communities and funding partners, NIEA continues to deliver high-impact programs that empower educators, uplift Native students, and shape the future of Indigenous education.