Tribal Consultation
The 2024-2030 Strategic Direction was developed in partnership with students, families, employees, tribal leaders, educational partners, and community members. Their ideals are reflected in the Bureau’s vision, mission, overarching priorities, strategies, and core values. The BIE’s strategic planning process is rooted in the evidence-based practice of conducting research, benchmarking, environmental scans, and, most importantly, an iterative process of collecting input and feedback from BIE stakeholders. What sets the 2024-2030 Strategic Direction apart is the recognition that each tribal sovereign nation holds the solutions to the challenges, and we have demonstrated our commitment to supporting those solutions throughout this process.
In the thematic analysis of the transcript proceedings from the tribal consultations, feedback was obtained on the proposed vision, mission, overarching priorities, strategies, and core values. The comments indicated a desire for a clear and specific vision statement that reflects the BIE’s role and commitment to supporting the educational needs of its students. The suggestions for the mission statement pointed to a clear articulation of a supportive role for the BIE that acknowledges the importance of cultural preservation and sovereignty, emphasizes comprehensive student development, and aligns with broader educational goals and values. The discussion of the BIE's overarching priorities reflected a multifaceted educational approach that seeks to honor tribal knowledge systems and prepare students for a variety of futures while preserving their cultural heritage. Thematic analysis of the comments regarding strategies suggested a focus on empowering local communities, enhancing educational quality and access, supporting teacher and student development, and ensuring the preservation and integration of cultural identity within the educational system. Several principles were derived from the comments regarding core values that aim to create an educational environment that honors and integrates Native American cultural values, promotes partnership and collaboration, and ensures that policies and practices support the needs of each student.
Links
BIE Strategic Direction Tribal Consultation Presentation Jan. through March 2024
2024 Tribal Consultation Dear Tribal Leader Letter
2024 Tribal Consultation and Listening Sessions Dear Tribal Leader Letter to Navajo Nation
Education Partners Strategic Direction Input
BIE Strategic Direction Listening Session - 2023 National Congress of American Indians
BIE Strategic Direction Listening Session - 2023 National Indian Education Association Conference
