Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.5 Million for Seven Tribes, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to Improve Education Curriculum, Restructure School Governance

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Indian Affairs, today announced that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has awarded $1.45 million to seven tribes, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, to begin restructuring school governance, build capacity for academic success and develop curriculum that is both academically rigorous and culturally relevant to students.

“Education is a vital part of ensuring our children have a bright future,” Hoeven said. “These funds will provide better opportunities for students on the reservation to excel in academics, fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams.”

In May, Hoeven pressed BIE Director Charles “Monty” Roessel to implement better oversight of federal funding for Native American schools run by the agency as it undergoes restructuring. Hoeven’s comments came in response to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report issued last November, which outlined significant deficiencies in financial oversight at BIE, contributing to the misuse and loss of federal funds, inadequate facilities and staff and impaired educational performance.

Last month, Hoeven also announced that the Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2016 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which includes funding to support tribal colleges. The funding will help support growing enrollment at Tribal higher learning institutions, which provide local community members with the skillset and knowledge they need to be successful.            

-###-

• Print
• Email
• Tweet