“Today’s hearing commemorates the 30th anniversary of the enactment of one of the most successful laws in Indian history, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act Amendments of 1988.
This Act, passed by Congress in 1988, was the result of critical
input and leadership from tribes across our country, and marked
a significant turning point in tribal self-governance. In 1987, tribal leaders testified before this Committee that the policy of self-determination, which began with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, had resulted in greater utilization of services, increased access to education, stronger Indian families, and more effective tribal law enforcement.”