SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, headed an oversight hearing titled "Native American Education – Examining Federal Programs at the U.S. Department of Education." The hearing was aimed at discussing the role of federal programs in Native American education and addressing potential impacts from recent proposals affecting the U.S. Department of Education.

Senator Murkowski emphasized, "We have spent a lot of time in Committee talking about the Bureau of Indian Education, and for good reason. We are going to continue to do so. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that more than 90 percent of Native students across our country attend public schools." She expressed concern over proposals to alter or dismantle parts of the department and addressed the potential effects on Native American education.

Dr. Rosita Worl, President of the Sealaska Heritage Institute in Juneau, Alaska, testified regarding the importance of programs like the Alaska Native Education Program (ANEP). Dr. Worl highlighted the role of native education in preserving culture and promoting cross-cultural understanding, stating, "The benefits of Native education programming are widespread, with non-Native students learning about our cultures and history, which has led to improved cross-cultural relationships."

During the hearing, Senator Murkowski explored the potential impacts of moving Indian programs out of the Department of Education. She pointed out the federal trust responsibility and solicited insights from witnesses about the potential advantages or disadvantages of such a move. "The biggest challenge is, we don’t know what that plan is… I believe everyone here in this room – whether they’re here or not, and all the other ones – they want what’s best for communities," Mr. Dropik commented.

Impact Aid, crucial to Alaska's education funding, was another focal point. Senator Murkowski mentioned, "in the Iditarod area school district in Alaska, Impact Aid makes up about sixty-percent of the funding there," and questioned Ms. Russell about financial concerns of schools. Ms. Russell warned of challenges in moving departments, given the expertise required for managing the complex Impact Aid program.

Senator Murkowski also queried Dr. Worl on the implications of potentially relocating the ANEP. Dr. Worl expressed concern about the loss of established relationships and expertise if the program were moved elsewhere.

The committee will continue to accept written testimony until April 16, 2025, via testimony@indian.senate.gov.

For more information, videos of the hearing are available online.