The MDE, through the Indigenous Education Initiative Team, works with the 12 federally recognized tribes that share geography with the State of Michigan and Indigenous communities to develop and maintain an authentic and meaningful consultative relationship.

The MDE Indigenous Education Initiative Team is a multidisciplinary, collaborative team. The Initiative's focus is to build a cohesive and sustainable approach for collaboration between the tribes, the state, and local entities to identify and address educational issues and shared priorities.

The Initiative Team is also charged with coordinating internal MDE efforts to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach to working with Michigan's Indigenous education community. The team works cross-agency to provide support in areas impacting Indigenous learners and communities.

To contact the Indigenous Education Initiative Team, please email: MDE-Indigenized@michigan.gov