2022 - #E02: Standing in Solidarity with Native Students and Educators to Practice Smudging for Student Achievement

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1970 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; and 

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

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

WHEREAS, smudging, is a culturally appropriate and authentic response to stress, anxiety, fear, hurt, strengthening and building confidence and recognized as such intertribally across the country; i.e. hospitals, courtrooms, and conferences; and 

WHEREAS, with the growing recognition of this practice, Native students should be allowed to smudge or have smudging available to them in their educational environment that is supportive and free from negative response from other students and individuals stemming from a system of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of smudging and its uses. 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Indian Education Association supports the implementation of a school district policy that supports Native students and educators to use traditional practices that promote student achievement and success. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NIEA will work with the Council of Chief State School Officers to design professional development and curriculum to be created and implemented in consultation with Native communities. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NIEA until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.