President Donald Trump shocked tribal communities shortly after his inauguration by signing an executive order to expand school choice in Indian Country by fall. The January 29 order prompted backlash from tribal members, worried it might harm tribal schools, often the sole educational providers on remote reservations. They argued that the order jeopardizes U.S. treaties with Indian nations, threatening educational self-determination.
Michelle Beaudin from Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe noted the historical trauma of government-run boarding schools and fears funding cuts could harm their Ojibwe language immersion school. “We’re working hard to get that language and tradition back again,” she said. The proposal seemed to threaten these efforts.
In May, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) revealed details of a plan that diverged from expectations. Instead of voucher-style programs, the BIE offers schools flexibility to provide additional services such as tutoring and after-school programs.
The BIE plans to allocate $1.3 million for these services, enabling families to choose advanced courses or extracurricular activities. The plan aims to empower tribes in educational decision-making while addressing historical challenges faced by BIE schools.
Despite the proposal, Trump’s budget did not increase funding for tribal education, suggesting a $80 million cut for BIE programs. However, lawmakers indicated potential funding boosts for the Department of Interior.
Rodney Bordeaux, of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, sees potential in federal support for his private school offering Lakota language classes. “Our students learn the Lakota values — the history and the culture,” he said, emphasizing the need for extra funding.
Tribal consultation sessions are scheduled for July to gather feedback before the plan’s fall implementation. Concerns remain about the potential elimination of funding for school construction and repairs, as many BIE facilities are in poor condition, raising safety concerns.
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