IEFA UPDATES -
Call for Proposals: IEFA Best Practices 2026
The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Indian Education for All (IEFA) Unit invites educators, administrators, tribal members, community leaders, and stakeholders to submit proposals for the 2026 IEFA Best Practices Conference.
This conference focuses on how we cultivate relationships and use authentic, culturally sustaining practices to ensure every student understands and contributes to the full history and identity of Montana. We seek proposals that share innovative strategies, resources, and successful practices for integrating the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians and promoting culturally responsive teaching in all content areas and grade levels.
To avoid confusion and ensure accurate scheduling, please submit a separate form for each distinct presentation or session you wish to propose for the conference. This allows us to properly track and review each proposal individually
Best Practices 2026 Registration
We are excited to invite you to join us for the premier professional development event focused on implementing Indian Education for All (IEFA) in Montana schools.
Our 2026 conference theme, "We Are All Related: Planting the Seeds of Knowledge, Growing our Montana Story," emphasizes the vital connection between culturally responsive education and building strong community relationships.
Prepare for two days of engaging sessions, hands-on workshops, and inspiring keynotes designed to provide you with practical, authentic strategies for embedding the Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians across all grade levels and content areas. Come learn, share, and collaborate as we collectively work to ensure every student fully knows the history and identity of our state.
Teresa Veltkamp Award 2026
This form outlines the required information and guidelines for submitting a nomination for the Teresa Veltkamp Advocacy Award for Excellence in Indian Education for All (IEFA).
The Indian Education Division at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is soliciting nominations for this prestigious award, established to honor the legacy of Teresa Veltkamp. Teresa, a beloved classroom teacher and Indian Education Specialist at OPI, was an inspirational advocate committed to ensuring and supporting the highest levels of IEFA implementation across Montana.
Please seize this opportunity to acknowledge and honor an outstanding educator's exceptional efforts in promoting and steadfastly supporting Indian Education for All.
Join us on January 13th for our Indian Education for All Across the Content Area Webinar. This webinar will focus on resources for teaching about Indigenous oral traditions. Please join us from 4:00 – 5:00. Educators will receive one renewal unit for attending. Zoom link will be posted on our Upcoming PD Offerings tab.
Introduction to Indian Education for All course – live webinar option on January 27th. If you need to take the Introduction to Indian Education for All HUB Course for Educator Licensure and would prefer a live zoom option, then join our IEFA webinar on January 27th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. This webinar is only for individuals who are needing to take the course for Licensure requirements. Check back in early January for registration information which will be posted on our Upcoming PD Offerings tab.
IEFA Humor - - - -
Joke #1
Ehanni…(long time ago…) A Lakota elder once told me that a good way to keep temperature during the Wintertime is to take potatoes and set them outside your door at night. When you wake up and find that 5 potatoes are froze – it is 5 Blo. Why might this be funny to someone who knows the Lakota language? Because the Lakota word for potato is Blo.
Joke #2
Awhile back this reporter from out East was interviewing a Blackfeet elder about cultural traditions and during the interview the reporter asked the elder if he ate buffalo…the elder thought about it for a second and slowly replied….”only the wings…”
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YouTube Channel
Are you looking for engaging and informative resources to improve your IEFA background knowledge and improve your teaching? Check out our YouTube Channel for engaging IEFA content and a wealth of classroom materials to deepen understanding and enhance your teaching.
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IEFA Finance Reporting Update FAQ
IEFA ANB Reporting Guide
HOW TO - IEFA PAYMENT: REPORTING GUIDE
If you have any questions, please reach out to one of the IEFA team members. Contact information can be found here.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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