National Indian Education Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 3, 2024 PRESS@NIEA.ORG National Indian Education Association Bids Farewell to Executive Director Diana Cournoyer Washington, DC, July 3, 2024 – On behalf of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Board of Directors, we would like to uplift and honor a decade of service by outgoing Executive Director Diana Cournoyer. Serving as Executive Director for the last five years, Ms. Cournoyer has worked tirelessly in the pursuit of NIEA’s mission to advance comprehensive, culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. “Diana is a visionary, and her leadership has led to the growth of NIEA’s standing as a national thought leader in policy and education,” said Tesia Zientek, NIEA President. “We are grateful to Diana’s years of service and vision to establish a paradigm shift through education sovereignty. Her legacy will live on as the organization continues the momentum to change the American education system to better serve Native students.” Centering the future of Native education through tribal sovereignty, the initiatives and partnerships developed under Ms. Cournoyer’s leadership will continue to thrive with the talented and passionate NIEA staff. The NIEA Board will be conducting a national search for the next NIEA Executive Director in the coming months. Starting July 1, 2024, Rusty Creed Brown will serve as the NIEA Interim Executive Director until a new Executive Director is hired. To read the full Farewell Statement from Diana Cournoyer, visit www.NIEA.org homepage. ### The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) advances comprehensive, culture-based educational opportunities for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. NIEA was formed in 1969, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Native educators who were anxious to find solutions to improve the education system for Native children. The NIEA Convention was established to mark the beginning of a national forum for sharing and developing ideas and influencing federal policy.

🌟 Attention Native educators, advocates, and allies! 🌟 Registration for the 55th Annual NIEA Convention and Trade Show is OPEN! Register today for the Early Bird rate which ends August 2, 2024! Join us from October 9-12, 2024, at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, CA, to celebrate and advance Native education. This year's convention promises enriching experiences, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring connections. Plus, explore our Registration & Premium Level Member Package for exclusive benefits and opportunities! Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Learn more and secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/49kQiig #NIEAConvention #NativeEducation #ItBeginsWithUs #ParadigmShift #EducationSovereignty #ADeclarationofChange #RegisterNow

With heartfelt gratitude, we announce the departure of Diana Cournoyer, whose decade-long service at NIEA has been transformative.

NIEA Policy Director Julia Wakeford joined LGBTQI+ and Two-Spirit community members for a historic convening at the White House on Tuesday. NIEA proudly celebrates our 2SLGBTQ+ relatives this month and every month for their frontline work in creating inclusive spaces for every child. #WhiteHouseNativePrideGathering

🌟 NIEA Award Nominations Are Now Open! 🌟 Do you know an outstanding individual or organization making a difference in Native communities? It's time to recognize their incredible contributions! NIEA invites members to nominate deserving role models for the NIEA Community Awards. Celebrate those who inspire and serve our communities with dedication and passion. Award Categories: Elder of the Year Educator of the Year Community Service Award of the Year Classroom Teacher of the Year Parent of the Year Nomination Details: 🗓 Deadline: August 1, 2024, 11:59 PM PST 📅 Award Luncheon: October 10, 2024 📧 Submit to: Jennifer Wilson at JWilson@niea.org Submission Requirements: Two-page nomination statement Two letters of recommendation Supporting documentation High-resolution headshot photo 🔗 For more info and to nominate, visit https://bit.ly/4clVzs6 Let's honor the champions in our communities! #NIEAAwards #NativeEducation #CommunityHeroes #NominateNow

📢 NIEA Board of Directors Election 2024 📢 Do you know someone who would be a great fit for the NIEA Board of Directors? Here’s what you need to know: ✅ Be a verified voting member of NIEA. ✅ Submit proof of Native enrollment, lineage, or descent. ✅ Be ready to fulfill Board roles and responsibilities. ✅ Not have served more than three terms on the Board. ✅ (Student Board Member) Provide proof of full-time enrollment in a post-secondary institution. Nominations are open until August 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST. Submit your nominee now: https://bit.ly/3OGbcxY For questions, contact Jennifer Wilson at jwilson@niea.org. #NIEA #NIEAElections #BoardOfDirectors #NativeLeadership

🎓 Join NIEA as a Member Today! 🎓 Become a member of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) and be part of a powerful community dedicated to advocating Native education. Whether you're joining us for the first time or renewing your membership, your support makes a difference! 🌟 Why be a member of NIEA? Advocate for policies that support Native education Access exclusive resources and professional development opportunities Connect with a network of educators, leaders, and advocates Participate in our annual convention and other events Contribute to the sustainability and growth of Native communities through education 📢 Membership Benefits: Stay informed with our newsletters and updates Discounted registration for NIEA events Voting rights in NIEA elections Opportunities to serve on committees and the Board of Directors Join or renew your membership today and help us make a lasting impact! 🔗 Become a Member Here: https://bit.ly/4a7PmPS REMINDER: The NIEA membership cycle is July 1- June 30. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jennifer Wilson, Membership & Communications Coordinator, at jwilson@niea.org #JoinNIEA #NativeEducation #Community #Advocacy #MembershipMatters

🚀 Elevate your career in substance use prevention! 🌟 Explore a dynamic training offering a comprehensive perspective on substance use prevention through an Indigenous lens! Participate in our upcoming FREE 3-day training tailored for early to mid-career professionals in. Dive into the latest prevention science, covering theories, techniques, and ethical practices. Register here for the training in Tulalip, WA: https://bit.ly/3Xi3v9l #NIEA #PreventionTraining #CareerBoost #SubstanceUsePrevention

On this Juneteenth, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) commemorates the day when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. This day is not only a celebration of emancipation but also a time for reflection and recommitment to equality and inclusion. We honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans and acknowledge the ongoing work needed to dismantle systemic racism. NIEA reaffirms its dedication to fostering educational environments that respect diverse histories and cultures. We believe in the power of education to bring about meaningful change and build bridges of understanding between communities. Let us use this Juneteenth to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our progress, and commit to creating a more just and equitable society. Together, we can honor those who fought for freedom and continue to work towards a future where all people are truly free. Happy Juneteenth from the National Indian Education Association. #Juneteenth2024 #NIEA

🌟 Thrilled to announce the success of our recent event, "Fostering Dialogue: Exploring Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Whole Child Wellness!" Professionals convened for insightful conversations and collaborative efforts on tackling substance abuse in Native communities. 🌱 Together, we're building healthier futures! #Prevention #HarmReduction #WholeChildWellness #CommunityCollaboration 🌎🤝