A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
This Senate resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), first enacted in 1975. It frames ISDEAA as a cornerstone of federal-tribal relations that honors tribal sovereignty and allows Indian Tribes to administer a broad range of federal programs and services for their communities. The resolution highlights the ongoing expansion of self-determination and self-governance through amendments and parallel authorities across multiple federal agencies since ISDEAA’s inception, and it cites current participation levels (hundreds of tribes operating self-determination contracts or compacts, tribally controlled schools, and numerous self-governance arrangements in health and other programs). While non-binding, the resolution reaffirms the federal fiduciary obligation to support tribal self-determination, calls for continued federal-tribal collaboration, and expresses optimism for the next 50 years of self-governance.
Key Points
- 1The resolution recognizes January 4, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of ISDEAA and commends the achievements of Indian Tribes under ISDEAA and related authorities.
- 2It emphasizes that ISDEAA empowers Tribes to administer federal programs and services (e.g., health, education, public safety, natural resources) to improve local decision-making, service delivery, and community development, while upholding tribal sovereignty.
- 3The resolution documents the broad, multi-decade expansion of ISDEAA and parallel authorities through numerous amendments and related laws across federal agencies (e.g., 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2018 provisions, as well as programs in education, health, transportation, employment, and agriculture).
- 4It cites current participation and impact, noting high levels of tribal contracting and compacts with federal agencies, substantial numbers of tribally controlled schools, and numerous IHS compacts and funding agreements.
- 5It calls for continued federal support and action to uphold ISDEAA, reaffirming the United States’ fiduciary duty and the trust relationship, and encouraging policies that strengthen tribal governance and the delivery of federal programs.