Tlingit & Haida would like to inform you about an important opportunity to support HB 59, the bill that would establish a pilot program for five State-Tribal Education Compact Schools in Alaska. The House Tribal Affairs Committee will be hearing public testimony on HB 59 during their upcoming meeting:
HB 59 would create a pilot program allowing tribes to operate public schools through government-to-government agreements with the State of Alaska. This legislation is a vital step toward educational self-determination and improving outcomes for Alaskan students. This is a critical moment to advocate for innovative, culturally grounded public schools serving all Alaskans.
Resources:
- HB 59 One-Pager: A brief overview of the bill and its significance.
- Native Issues Forum Recording: Introducing State Tribal Education Compacting (April 2)
- HB 59 Information: Full text of HB 59, past presentations, and documents
- State Tribal Education Compacting Report: Full text (including history, findings and recommendations) completed and submitted to the Alaska State Legislature in 2024 after months of negotiations with tribes