WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) condemns the recent executive order to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. NCAI calls the move reckless, politically motivated, and a direct threat to Native students, tribal sovereignty, and the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations.

“Let us be clear: This is not just an administrative change – it’s an attack on the fundamental right of Native students to a quality education that reflects their identity, history, and sovereignty,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. “The trust and treaty responsibilities of the United States are not optional. Dismantling the Department of Education is a betrayal to Native Nations and future generations.”

Over 90% of Native youth attend public schools, many of which rely on federal resources like Title VI and Johnson-O'Malley funding to support Native language preservation, cultural education, and academic success. Eliminating the federal agency responsible for delivering and safeguarding those resources would further marginalize Native students and destabilize tribal education systems.

“This move sends a dangerous message that Native students, their cultures, and their futures are expendable,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. “We will not sit silently while centuries of progress in Native education are dismantled for political convenience. We demand the U.S. government honor its trust responsibilities and protect the rights of Native students.”

NCAI urges Congress to immediately reject any attempt to eliminate or weaken federal education support and act swiftly to defend Tribal Nations’ rights to equitable, culturally grounded education.