Native Education Cabinet raises concerns over IEA Act implementation
Cabinet members told lawmakers they are concerned about outreach on Indian Education for All resources and how a 2025 law restricting DEI may affect implementation
Members of the Wyoming Department of Education’s Native Education Cabinet raised concerns about the implementation of the Indian Education for All Act during a recent meeting of the Wyoming Legislature’s Select Committee on Tribal Relations, according to County 10. The 2017 law requires the department to ensure American Indian history, culture and contributions are included in state social studies standards and to provide resources to school districts.
According to a WDE report presented last month, the agency created an online repository with 22 resources, including nine tied to Wyoming’s tribes. Only 18 of 48 school districts responded to a survey about the materials. Cabinet members Scotty Ratliff and Veronica Miller cited concerns about outreach, communication and the impact of a 2025 state law restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The WDE updated a Dec. 15 memo to clarify an exemption for federally recognized tribes, according to Chief Communications Officer Linda Finnerty.
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