Supporting Tribal Education and Economic Development in Montana

As Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, I recently joined Indian Affairs leadership on a multi-day visit to Montana. Our focus was on advancing key priorities of the administration, including public safety, economic development, energy independence, and, most importantly from my perspective, education. 

One of the most impactful parts of this visit was our time spent with tribal leaders and education stakeholders across the Northern Cheyenne and Crow reservations. I had the opportunity to visit Chief Dull Knife College in Lame Deer and Little Big Horn College in Crow Agency, two of 29 outstanding Tribal Colleges and Universities supported through BIE funding. 

The BIE grants ensure these institutions remain among the most affordable and accessible pathways to higher education in Indian Country. Many TCUs charge less than $1,000 per semester, and most of their students graduate with little to no debt. That affordability matters in our rural communities where education can be the first step toward self-sufficiency and prosperity. 

At Chief Dull Knife and Little Big Horn, I met with college presidents, faculty, and students diligently working to expand opportunity and meet the needs of their communities. We discussed their programs in nursing, agriculture, public safety, business, and addiction studies—fields that directly contribute to the economic and social well-being of the surrounding region. I was especially impressed by their commitment to training students for high-demand careers, often while preserving native languages and cultural knowledge. These colleges are living examples of how tribal self-determination in education can drive positive, long-term change. 

I also visited Northern Cheyenne Tribal School, a K–12 Tribally Controlled School in Busby. Walking the halls, speaking with students and educators, and seeing the classrooms in action reaffirmed my belief in the power of locally governed education. School leaders shared their efforts to support academic achievement, strengthen community partnerships, and nurture student leadership. The school’s culturally grounded approach is creating a strong foundation for future success and sovereignty. 

Throughout this trip, I emphasized the Bureau of Indian Education’s commitment to supporting the full spectrum of tribal education, from early childhood to post-secondary. BIE schools at all educational levels create jobs and promote economic development for their surrounding communities. By investing in our schools and TCUs, we prepare students to meet today’s challenges and equip them to lead the way in building stronger, more resilient tribal nations. 

This visit underscored the connection between education, economic development, and tribal self-governance. I’m proud to work alongside tribal leaders, educators, and students who are leading the way—and proud that BIE is doing its part to support their vision for the future.