Tribal Communities In Schools (Tribal CIS)
Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Why We Exist?
We exist because Native students deserve educational experiences that reflect who they are, where they come from, and the sovereign Nations they belong to.
Working directly inside schools throughout Native communities, NIEA’s Tribal Communities In Schools (Tribal CIS) licensed partnership connects students with caring adults, culturally grounded support, and community and Tribal resources that help them overcome barriers, recognize their potential, and build brighter futures while staying rooted in who they are.
Who:
We provide cultural programming, academic and social–emotional support, and strong connections between schools and Tribal nations. Our work promotes educational sovereignty by including Native voices in curriculum, programs, and decision-making. We offer mentoring, family engagement, staff training, and access to community and Tribal resources.
What It Looks Like:
You’ll see Native presence throughout the school—cultural spaces, artwork, language, and community events. Classrooms include tribal history, sovereignty, and culturally relevant lessons supported by guest speakers and Tribal partners. Students receive integrated student supports, including regular check-ins, mentoring, academic help, and social–emotional guidance grounded in cultural values. School culture reflects active partnerships with Tribal nations and a commitment to educational sovereignty.
Our Impact
Students demonstrating improvement across key areas of support
86%
Academics
90%
Attendance
93%
Behavior
100%
Life Skills
100%
Graduation Rates
1,856
Students Served
9
Schools
Part of a National Network
NIEA’s Tribal Communities In Schools licensed partnership is part of the broader Communities In Schools network, connecting students and communities to a proven model of integrated student supports across the country.
What are the Five Basic Principles?
Together with
our mission
and
integrated student supports
model, the Five Basic Principles guide our work, keep students at the center, and define our collective purpose—unlocking potential and creating pathways to a brighter future.
1. A Caring Adult
CIS connects students and families with trusted adults across schools, families, organizations, and communities. These consistent, caring relationships create a strong system of support that helps students succeed.
2. A Safe Place
CIS works to create environments where students feel physically, emotionally, culturally, and psychologically safe. By uplifting student, family, community, and staff voices, we help ensure everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive.
3. A Healthy Start
CIS helps ensure students have the resources and support they need to learn and thrive. By connecting students and families to food, healthcare, and other essential resources, we support well-being, resilience, and confidence.
4. A Marketable Skill
CIS connects education to real-world opportunities that help students build skills, confidence, and connections for the future. Mentoring, career exploration, internships, and leadership development help prepare students for success in the workforce and beyond.
5. A Chance to Give Back
CIS creates opportunities for students, families, and staff to lead, serve, and strengthen their communities. Through student leadership, peer mentoring, and service, students can build skills and confidence while contributing in meaningful ways.
At Tribal Communities In Schools, we are resource navigators, youth advocates, and community connectors. We work alongside students, families, schools, and Tribal Nations to break down barriers while strengthening culture, identity, and connection. We are here so Native students have the support and resources they need to define success for themselves, grounded in who they are and where they come from.
Being Present Matters
