Reports from the Field: American Indian Self-determination in Education and the Department of Interior

Abstract

Abstract:In this Report from the Field, the author draws on over 60 years of experience in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) education to examine and reflect on the exercise of AI/AN educational selfdetermination. Using two cases as examples — one involving the federally mandated closure of two key off-reservation boarding schools and the other, nearly 30 years later, involving implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 — the author critiques the processes by which self-determination has been "trumped" by non-Indian, noneducator Interior Department officials. Bureau of Indian Educationfunded schools, dormitories, and programs are cautioned to monitor Department of Interior initiatives regarding American Indian rights to self-determination in education.