Native education programs must remain a federal priority

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, emphasized the importance of Native education programs during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs oversight hearing. Murkowski, the committee’s chair, said she wanted to explore the possible impact to Native students if programs like the Alaska Native Education Program and Impact Aid are moved out of the Department of Education. Witnesses, including Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl, said such changes could damage long-standing relationships with Native communities. Written testimony is being accepted through April 16 at testimony@indian.senate.gov.