USET: Education Department holds listening session for tribes

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is holding a Tribal Consultation and Listening Session today leading up to the United South and Eastern Tribes, Incorporated (USET) Semi-Annual meeting. The meeting is scheduled to last throughout the day with an overview of American Indian Education in the USET region, comments from Tribal leadership in attendance, a report from the USET Education Committee, and for public comments.

Support for Native language, cultural activities, and Tribal history was the opening theme for educators who are taking the opportunity to speak during the consultation. “The concept here is that our Tribes need help with teaching the Native languages and cultural activity. It is shown that students show great signs of improvement when they learn about their culture, history, and know their language and improve their self esteem,” says Seneca Nation of Indians Director of Education for the Allegany Territory Chanda Grey.