AFN will scope tribal compacting of education

A program is underway to find a practical legal pathway to partner the Alaska Federation of Natives with local school boards and communities in the area of public education, state education officials said.

AFN’s work will be funded by a $1 million grant through the Federal CARES Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. The grant period runs through June 20, 2022.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced his support of tribal compacting of education in his address to the AFN convention in October 2019. The grant was announced on July 15 by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

The agreement calls for AFN to identify relevant federal and state laws and regulations, to compile relevant material related to educating Alaska Native students, to engage with Alaska Native leaders and subject matter experts on educational compacting options and to design a comprehensive path forward. 

AFN will also be responsible for designing seminars for educators and administrators on the why and what of compacting, and participating in discussions with the state and various legislative committees to respond to questions on the final pathway report.

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