Support for Continued Federal Funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special education needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people; and

WHEREAS, NIEA, as the largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its unique political relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established education program resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives residing both on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) is a national fine arts college devoted solely to the teaching and preservation of American Indian and Alaska Native arts and culture; and

WHEREAS, NIEA has been made aware that the House Interior Appropriations Committee has terminated federal funding for IAIA in FY2000 and that the Senate and President Clinton have recommended funding at $4.25 million for core operations and $2 million for construction.

WHEREAS, IAIA has educated approximately 4,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students since its inception in 1962; and

WHEREAS, NIEA is cognizant of the positive impact IAIA has made on the recognition of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures via the arts; and

WHEREAS, NIEA is strongly committed to the enrichment and preservation of American Indian and Alaska Native cultures and art, and to the continuance of IAIA; and

WHEREAS, IAIA’ s Board of Trustees has asked for advice and assistance from NIEA and tribal leaders as it works to ensure its future.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION does hereby urge the President of the United States and Congress to fully fund the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) at a level of $4.25 million for core operations and $2 million for construction with a 100% matching provision in FY2000.

SUBMITTED BY: Alvin Schuster (Yakama), Toppenish, WA.

CERTIFICATION

I do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly considered and passed by the NIEA membership assembled at its annual convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at which a quorum was present during the meeting held October 17-20, 1999.