This year's theme is "Nurturing American Indian Leadership into the Future."
"It is important American Indians be active participants in the educational system, creating policies and strategies that will improve educational achievement and create new opportunities for success for Indian students," said Thomas Brown, this year's conference chairman.
The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Parkside.
A variety of speakers and workshops aims at improving awareness of the many issues facing American Indian education as well as providing an opportunity to share successful strategies.
"We have quite a lineup of outstanding speakers and exceptional workshops scheduled," said Denise Juneau, MIEA board member. "The collective talents and wisdom of these educators will certainly be an important part of the conference."
Keynote speakers include:
Sharon Peregoy, a Crow educator who will speak about using educational collaborations between parents, communities and schools to empower Native youth. Her talk is titled "Parents and Communities Coming Together in a Good Way: A Native Path to Empowering Youth" and is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the Holiday Inn ballroom.
Julie Cajune, a Salish educator, will speak on "Pursuing Justice for Indian Youth in Public Schools." The talk is slated for 9:15 a.m. Saturday, also in the ballroom.
(See related listing for other workshop highlights.)
"The voice of Indian educators is needed at all levels of policy and decision-making and we encourage you to take action to create the changes that are needed in our schools and colleges," wrote Carol Juneau, MIEA chairperson, in her welcoming remarks for the conference participants.
In an interview Monday, Juneau noted this is the 23rd conference of its kind. The annual event represents a culmination of the year's activities that advocated for strengthening American Indian education in Montana.
The conference will discuss ways to improve the state's American Indian graduation rate which is at about 50 percent, and will review how schools have and haven't implemented the Indian Education for All Act of 1972 - which requires public schools to educate all students on the unique cultural heritage of Montana's Indians.
It will also highlight successful education programs and allow people to share ideas, projects and training, Juneau said.
In remembrance of the late Montana author James Welch, MIEA will host an authors reception Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Parkside ballroom. William Yellow Robe, Jennifer Greene and several other Native authors will provide readings in honor and recognition of Welch's distinct contributions to Native American literature.
On Saturday a state legislative hearing by the state tribal affairs committee is slated to discuss a recent dropout study of American Indians.
"Developing strategies that will help keep our American Indian students in school and graduating is a key component to the economic progress of our Indian nations," said Juneau, who is a state legislator from Browning. "I am glad that the conference can help provide this time for people to share their ideas on what the state can do to improve our graduation rate."
The conference will provide opportunities for students and adults to share their writing skills in a student essay contest; demonstrate their special skills at a talent show, 7 p.m. Friday at Holiday Inn Parkside; and practice traditions at a powwow 7 p.m. Saturday at Jefferson School.
An awards luncheon on Sunday will recognize outstanding leadership in Indian education that is always a highlight of the conference, organizers said.
Reporter Jane Rider can be reached at 523-5298 or at jrider@missoulian.com
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