A recent settlement related to a class action lawsuit may significantly impact how Montana’s public schools teach Native American history and culture. The case, DuPois-Pablo vs. the Montana Office of Public Instruction, was initiated in 2021 by 18 Native American tribes, arguing that the state failed to uphold the Indian Education for All mandate. This mandate is intended to ensure that every public school student learns about Montana’s Indigenous tribes’ history and culture and that school personnel are well-versed in these subjects.
The lawsuit also highlighted a requirement in Montana’s state constitution from 1972 mandating education on Native American history and culture. Instead of pursuing the lawsuit further, state officials opted for a settlement. Susie Hesalden, superintendent of the Office of Public Instruction, confirmed that a five-year agreement has been reached, expressing optimism about advancing authentic instruction concerning the state’s tribal nations.
The settlement has undergone initial approval and is currently awaiting final approval before being enacted.
