Great American Outdoors Act - Monthly Focus

This December, the Department of the Interior highlights how the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund improves safety and supports employees, volunteers, and teachers on public lands and at Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Through GAOA LRF, critical projects address safety concerns, upgrade housing, and enhance facilities. At Shonto Preparatory Elementary School in Arizona, funding is being used to repair or replace over half of the staff housing units and utility infrastructure, ensuring safe and comfortable living spaces for educators.

These investments create safer environments and support those who serve Indigenous students and public lands.

This November, the GAOA PMO proudly celebrates National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the rich traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. The Bureau of Indian Education, with the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, is making transformational, long-lasting improvements to academic facilities and infrastructure. A flagship GAOA LRF project will replace the 60-year-old campus at Wounded Knee District School, building safe, sustainable, and engaging spaces for students to excel. The project also includes critical upgrades to the campus’ water distribution and sewer systems, road reconstruction, and new paved parking areas, underscoring a significant commitment to a brighter future for Indigenous students across Indian Country.

On October 14, we honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day by celebrating Indigenous communities' contributions, histories, and cultures. This month, Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund projects are highlighted for their critical role in replacing and modernizing BIE-funded school campuses, enhancing the safety and experience of thousands of students and staff in Tribal communities. 

The Bureau of Indian Education is proud to celebrate these investments through the GAOA LRF. A key example is the ongoing project at Many Farms High School, located in the heart of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, which serves students in grades 9-12. This project will consolidate education programs into a single, energy-efficient facility while improving security systems, installing new perimeter fencing, expanding parking and enhancing accessibility—creating a safer, more positive learning environment for students and teachers.

GAOA is honoring Labor Day on September 2 by celebrating American workers' social and economic achievements. GAOA LRF projects support Department of the Interior employees, including those at BIE-funded schools, by improving working conditions for staff and volunteers. 

These projects repair and maintain essential assets, such as staff housing, headquarters, and administrative roads, while addressing safety and health hazards. One key project at Shonto Preparatory School in Arizona will repair or replace more than half of the living quarters and related utility infrastructure to meet the residential needs of school employees. By improving accommodations, these projects will enhance the learning environment and safety for students, teachers, and staff and support staff recruitment and retention.