On Kentenha/October 6, 2025, Sub-Chief Agnes "Sweets" Jacobs represented the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe at the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Board of Regents presentation on the Indigenous Education Proposed Statement of Policy and Proposed Action at the Onondaga-Cortland-Madison Board of Cooperative Educational Services (OCM BOCES) held in Liverpool, NY. The Indigenous Education Proposed Statement of Policy and Action introduces the Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Education (CR-SE) framework, which takes a cultural view of learning that recognizes and values diverse perspectives, including Indigenous sources of knowledge.
The first statement of policy on Indigenous education was written by a Native committee, with the help of Tribal member Minerva White, in 1975. The current proposal aims to introduce changes addressing the diverse educational needs of the various Tribal members attending schools in New York State. An Advisory Council, under the direction of NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa, was formed to implement changes to the current policy and provide oversight to the Commissioner and the Department on matters affecting Indigenous students and their respective communities. The Advisory Council will meet to share ideas, develop new educational initiatives, and ensure that all Indigenous students have access to educational programs that support their social and emotional development, enhancing college, career and workforce opportunities.
In Sub-Chief Jacobs’ statement, she recognized Indigenous trailblazers like Minerva White with an eye toward the future of Indigenous education. “Despite the positive trend I’ve seen through my years, I must say we still have a way to go. We must shift our minds to think of the future, and what it is means for Indigenous representation in education and teaching administrations. The way forward can be paved through increasing Indigenous presence in these spaces that, historically, were not made for us.”
In addition to updating curriculum offerings for Indigenous students in schools, Sub-Chief Jacobs stressed the importance of renewed support for the new Saint Regis Mohawk School Project. It has been a priority for several years and enjoys universal support but is currently on hold due to lack of funding. The new school would provide a safe, culturally responsive, and supportive environment for our Mohawk students, empowering them for future success.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe expresses our sincere appreciation to NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa and the NYSED Board of Regents for the opportunity to provide perspective on the introduction of the CR-SE framework on Indigenous Education.