The Johnson-O’Malley Act of 1934 was enacted to subsidize education, medical attention, and other services provided by states or territories to Native Americans living within their borders. The Johnson-O'Malley Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), to enter into contracts with Tribes, Tribal organizations, states, schools, and private non-sectarian organizations to address the education needs of Indian students.
In 1953, the New York State Legislature authorized Education Law Section 4118 which provides funding for Native American students from tribes located within the state. Native American students became eligible to receive grant funding to support attendance at any approved, accredited postsecondary institution in New York State. Students were also eligible to receive student aid for less than four years of study and for part-time study.
In 1972, the U. S. Congress passed the Indian Education Act, also known as Title IV of the Education Amendments of 1972, responding in part to a 1969 Senate subcommittee report on the substandard schooling of Native American and Alaska Native students. The act established an Office of Indian Education within the United States Department of Education, and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education.
Of particular interest to states was a collection of grant programs (parts A, B, and C of the Act) to state education agencies. Part A provided financial assistance to local education agencies for special programs serving Indian students enrolled in public school districts, as opposed to reservation schools. Part B provided funds for demonstration projects and pilot projects for Native American students in areas like special education, health and nutrition programs, and guidance. Part C provided funds for demonstration projects focused on the educational needs of adult Native Americans. The act required funded projects to be developed in cooperation with the American Indian population, including tribal leaders, parents, and students.
In January of 1974, the Native American Education Unit was created to consolidate programs and functions involving the education of Native Americans dispersed among numerous State Education Department divisions and offices. The unit served as the department's representative on Native American education and culture at the state, regional, and national levels. The unit approved and monitored education programs and provided technical assistance and consultation to federal, state, and local agencies. In addition, the unit provided guidance to local school districts receiving federal Title IV and Johnson-O'Malley Act funds, allocated state aid programs to local school districts educating Native Americans residing on reservations, and administered the New York State Indian Aid program which provided financial aid for Native American students attending postsecondary schools.
Web Site Topic:
Functions:
The Indigenous Education Unit (formerly Native American Education Unit) allocates state funding and provides assistance to public school districts that educate Indigenous children residing on reservations throughout the state. It also administers the New York State Indian Aid program, which provides funding for Indigenous students attending postsecondary schools.
