The state of Montana will spend $4.4 million over the next two years to fulfill the state's constitutional requirement to teach about Indian culture and history in public schools.

Of the amount, $1 million will be distributed to the state's seven tribal colleges so they can write histories of the tribes. The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, who is waiting for federal recognition, will also be included in the project.

Another $2 million will be used by the state Office of Public Instruction to hire Indian education specialists and an assistant to develop a model curricula. Another $1.1 million will be used for grants to schools.

Indian educators and Indian lawmakers sought $23 million for the Indian Education For All Act. The money was slowly whittled down as the budget made its way through the state Legislature.

Get the Story:
State makes good on Indian education (The Billings Gazette 6/20)

Relevant Links:
Montana Indian Education Association - http://www.mtiea.org
Montana Office of Public Instruction - http://www.opi.state.mt.us

Related Stories:
Editorial: Indian education will benefit all students (05/09)
Montana Indian Education Association conference (04/05)
Funding for Montana Indian education rejected (3/31)
Montana Indian education bill set for another vote (3/28)
Bill boosting Indian education funding advances (3/25)
Funding for Indian education called inadequate (3/24)
Funding for Indian education in Montana slashed (3/14)
Indian lawmakers to play big role in education (01/24)
Montana lawmakers told to fund Indian education (1/12)
Montana group proposes $23M for Indian education (12/07)
Indian lawmakers in Montana set priorities (11/17)
Indian education summit underway in Montana (10/15)
Montana panel approves Indian education plan (08/17)
Montana lawmakers reviewing Indian education (04/05)