Indian Education and the Proposed Transfer of Bureau of Indian Affairs Schools to Tribes or Local Governments. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Education and Health of the Joint Economic Committee, One Hundredth Congress, First Session (Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 4, 1987).

N

199

Administrative Change; American Indian Education; Elementary Secondary Education; Federal Aid; Federal Indian Relationship; Federal Legislation; Federal Programs; Government Role; Government School Relationship; Hearings; Local Government; Politics of Education; Public Policy; States Powers; Treaties; Tribal Sovereignty

This congressional hearing, held at the Santa Fe (New Mexico) Indian School, addressed issues relating to the quality of education for American Indians. A central issue was a proposal transferring management of Indian schools from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to tribes or local governments. Statements from federal and local authorities centered on the quality of education under the current BIA system. Included in the report are statements from local education officials and leaders from several tribes. An appendix includes letters, statements, and testimony expressing concerns about the proposal from school, community, and tribal leaders. Concerns about the proposed transfer of authority centered around educational quality, that is, whether there would be a reduction of services or funds after the proposed legislation was put into effect. Proponents of the transfer argued that it would mean increased local and tribal control over the BIA schools. Federal officials contended that the move was not a budget-cutting measure and said the BIA would still monitor many aspects of school construction and maintenance. Native Americans represented in the proceedings included members of the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo nations. Attachments include data comparing test results of American Indian children in New Mexico with those of Hispanics and Anglos. There is also a history of the relationship between the federal government and the Jicarilla Apache Indians of New Mexico. The history focuses on Indian education. (TES)

1989

ED304273