Improving BIE-Funded Schools, Expanding Access, and Addressing Equity

The Great American Outdoors Act represents a historic investment in national parks and public lands. It also represents a significant commitment to a stronger and brighter future for Indigenous students throughout Indian Country.

GAOA is enabling transformational, long-lasting improvements to facilities and infrastructure at Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools. These projects were previously out of reach due to funding constraints. Without this historic investment, Interior could not complete the school repair and replacement projects needed to provide safe, sustainable, and engaging learning environments for students to excel. 

The Bureau of Indian Education is fortunate to receive $475 million in GAOA funding, which is supporting several major infrastructure projects at our schools. For instance, at Many Farms High School and Shonto Preparatory School in Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Indian Education is using GAOA funding to replace and consolidate the aging and outdated campus with new academic facilities and infrastructure that can support student learning and growth. 

At Wounded Knee District School in Pine Ridge Reservation, we are using GAOA funding to replace the existing campus with new academic facilities that meet Federal Sustainable Building requirements while replacing major site infrastructure that is over 60 years old. In addition to improving academic facilities, we are using funding to renovate and replace faculty and staff housing, enabling schools to recruit and retain exceptional teachers to provide our students with outstanding educational opportunities.  

Across these projects, GAOA will enable the Bureau of Indian Education to provide safe, engaging, and modern learning environments on campuses that serve nearly 2,300 students each year. We truly appreciate the GAOA funding and how it will help create positive memories for students and allow them to be the best they can be.