(Helena) – After passing the Montana Senate, the House Education Committee is now considering a bill sponsored by Box Elder Senator Jonathan Windy Boy that would create a reporting system for Indian Education for all funds in Montana’s public schools in an effort to increase transparency.
Alissa Snow representing the Blackfeet Tribe the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the Chippewa Cree Tribes of Rocky Boy, said the bill helps protect the program’s funding and adds another key element.
“In an effort to establish accountability, HB 181 adds the requirement that Montana Tribal Nations are consulted regularly. Recognizing that Tribal Nations are the best stewards of indigenous knowledge and therefore, have experience and knowledge necessary to contribute to, and guide the implementation of Montana Indian education for all.”
The bill passed the Senate on a 29-20 vote and there were no opponents in the hearing this week in the House.
