WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sent a Dear Tribal Leader Letter inviting tribal leaders to a consultation on the Indian Education Partnership Interagency Agreements (IAA) between the U.S. Departments of Education (ED), Department of Interior (DOI) and Department of Labor (DOL). The consultation will occur in Washington, D.C. on February 10, 2026.
Meaningful input from American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities will guide and inform the implementation of the IAA.
“The Trump Administration is ready to work with tribal leaders and hear their perspectives on how the federal government can empower all Tribes and best support every Native student across the country,” said Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the Department of Education Kirsten Baesler. “Through this partnership, we will strengthen educational services to all Native students and their families, including those attending public schools, who constitute over 90% of all Native students.”
“The Department of the Interior is committed to delivering education programs that produce results for Native students,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior Billy Kirkland. “Consultation strengthens coordination and helps shape decisions affecting Native education. We are excited to work with tribes to improve program delivery, enforce accountability, and drive measurable outcomes for Native students.”
“The Department of Labor and the Employment and Training Administration are committed to genuine dialog with tribal leaders as we streamline grant-making to tribes and free education and career preparation from the excessive bureaucracy of the past, allowing for true tribal sovereignty,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the Department of Labor Dr. Henry Mack.
On November 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced deepening partnerships with DOI and DOL. These partnerships will be governed by IAAs through which ED will procure services from DOI and DOL for certain covered programs. DOI and DOL will provide services, technical assistance, and support for the integration of Native-serving programs. Per the IAA, DOI will take on a greater role in supporting administration of Indian Education programs relating to elementary and secondary education, higher education, career and technical education, and vocational rehabilitation. DOL will take on a growing role in ensuring applicable fiscal appropriation set-asides for tribes result in supporting programs that boost literacy rates, strengthen employable skills, and connect Native youth and adults to meaningful workforce pathways. ED will maintain all statutory and policymaking authorities governing covered programs.
Per ED’s Tribal Consultation Policy, “In the operation of its programs, ED will consult with tribes and seriously consider tribal views, information, and interests, taking into account the resource and time constraints for conducting agency business. ED will also make a serious effort to incorporate those views, information, and interests in ED’s programs whenever new initiatives or program changes would have a substantial direct effect on Indian educational opportunities under those programs.”
This consultation will be conducted by the U.S. Office of Indian Education and will include senior Department officials with authority to act on recommendations from tribal leaders.