The National Indian Education Association holds its 39th annual conference in Seattle, Washington, next week.

As part of the event, which takes place October 23-25 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, NIEA is honoring eight people and three schools. “These people and organizations are strong and courageous advocates for the education of our Native youth. These great individuals and schools have worked hard to preserve our Native languages and our cultures, and make sure that every Native child has a chance to get a great education," said Dr. Willard Sakiestewa Gilbert, the president of NIEA.

Henrietta Mann (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes) and Gerald Gipp (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) will receive the 2008 NIEA Lifetime Achievement Award. Lillian Williams (Pawnee/Chickasaw/Cherokee) and John Emhoolah (Kiowa Tribe) will be given the 2008 NIEA Elder of the Year Award.

Dr. David Kekaulike Sing (Native Hawaiian) will be given the 2008 Educator of the Year Award, and N. Kathryn Brigham (Confederated Tribes of Umatilla) will receive the 2008 NIEA Community Service Award. Roxanne Small Not Afraid (Crow Tribe) will receive the 2008 NIEA Teacher of the Year Award, and Vivian Peters Delarosa, (Yakama Nation,) will be given the 2008 NIEA Parent of the Year.

For the Cultural Freedom Award, NIEA will recognize Chief Leschi School in Washington, Nixyáawii Community School in Oregon and Rough Rock Community School in Arizona.