Tribal Education Departments National Assembly

What Tribal Education Departments National Assembly does

Tribal Education Departments National Assembly (TEDNA) is a private, Native-run nonprofit organization founded in 2003 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It provides technical assistance, federal policy advocacy, and curated educational resources to 56 member Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) and Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs) across 26 U.S. states. Its core mission is to empower tribal nations to reclaim sovereignty over K-12 education by supporting the establishment and operation of comprehensive TEDs/TEAs and by connecting tribal education staff to federal and private grant funding.

TEDNA's service portfolio is anchored on three active programmatic lines: the OK STEP Project (Oklahoma-based tribal self-determination and academic-achievement initiative), the AI Sovereignty initiative (a national Tribal AI readiness program with intertribal PLCs and a Tribal AI Readiness Playbook launched in 2025), and the wholly owned Sovereign Community School subsidiary (an Oklahoma City charter school founded 2016). A resource library — including the Indigenous College Guide to Somewhere, Teens & Families Toolkit, and a Native-specific scholarship database — provides durable evergreen content assets. Distribution runs through a recurring calendar of national convenings (Annual Meeting, NIEA pre-conference slot, June AI + College & Career Readiness Training), monthly Partners Meeting and AI Sovereignty webinars, and a free online Resource Center.

The revenue model is grant-funded with no membership dues: federal grants (anchor support from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education), private foundation grants (including an OpenAI Foundation event disclosed 2025-12-03), modest paid training ticket revenue (~$150 per attendee), and voluntary contributions. Customer segments are exclusively governmental and quasi-governmental tribal entities plus tribal-serving K-12 educators; pricing is freemium for membership and per-ticket for training events. Founding support has come from the Native American Rights Fund and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education since 2003.

Name

Tribal Education Departments National Assembly

Legal name

Tribal Education Departments National Assembly Co

Website

https://tedna.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

TEDNA is a Native-run nonprofit founded in 2003 that provides technical assistance, federal policy advocacy, and educational resources to 56 Tribal Education Departments across 26 U.S. states, with no membership dues and grant-funded operations including an AI Sovereignty program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tribal Education Advocacy Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Tribal Teacher Education & Indigenous Language Colleges (Educator Prep/Language Revitalization) (EDAHANAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Tribal Four-Year Colleges & Universities (Bachelor’s–Granting) (EDAHANAB)

Keywords

• Tribal education services
• Nonprofit advocacy programs
• Educational technical assistance
• Federal grant administration
• Indigenous student resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Oklahoma City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Contributions: TEDNA is a nonprofit organization that does not charge membership dues. Voluntary membership contributions are accepted and valued to sustain two decades of work. Membership is free for both Regular members (Tribal Education Departments) and Affiliate members.
2. Federal and Private Grants: TEDNA utilizes federal and private grant opportunities to provide targeted supports for Tribal Education Departments. The organization has operated since 2003 and has received founding support from the Native American Rights Fund and the U.S. Department of Education Office of Indian Education.
3. Event Registration and Training Fees: Revenue generated from training events such as the June 2026 AI + College & Career Readiness Training ($150 per individual ticket, with discounts for additional tickets from the same organization). Annual Meeting has had waived registration fees with donations encouraged.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

TEDNA is a Native-run nonprofit that provides technical assistance, federal policy advocacy, and grant-based funding support to Tribal Education Departments (TEDs) and Tribal Education Agencies (TEAs) across the United States. Its core offerings include the OK STEP Project for tribal self-determination in education, the AI Sovereignty initiative for culturally aligned AI curriculum development, a free membership program open to TEDs and affiliates, an annual conference plus monthly Partners Meeting and AI Sovereignty webinars, and a resource library of culturally specific publications such as the Indigenous College Guide to Somewhere, Teens & Families Toolkit, Scholarship Database, and the Tribal AI Readiness Playbook.

Product overview

TEDNA (Tribal Education Departments National Assembly) is a Native-run nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance to Tribal Education Departments through a portfolio of programs, publications, and events. The core offerings include the OK STEP Project for tribal self-determination in education, the AI Sovereignty initiative for national Tribal AI readiness, and past projects like ACE (Accessing Choices in Education), NYCP, and the Sovereign Schools Project. Supporting resources include the Indigenous College Guide to Somewhere, Teens & Families Toolkit, Scholarship Database, and Partners Meeting Webinars. Annual conferences and training events provide capacity building. The organization connects 56 tribes across 26 states and has operated since 2003.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AI Sovereignty: A project focused on building national Tribal AI readiness by forming strategic convenings and implementing tribal-led educator learning networks to support learning, collaborative planning, and resource development for TEDs.
• OK STEP Project
• ACE Project (Accessing Choices in Education)

Products and services

• OK STEP Project Project promoting tribal self-determination, enhancing academic achievement, and fostering collaboration of stakeholders, with a project director and STEP coordinators serving multiple Oklahoma tribes including Sac & Fox Nation, Kiowa Tribe, and Absentee Shawnee Tribe. For Tribal Education Departments in Oklahoma.
• AI Sovereignty A national Tribal AI readiness initiative forming strategic convenings and implementing tribal-led educator learning networks (intertribal PLCs). Includes a Tribal AI Readiness Playbook for culturally aligned curriculum development. For Tribal Education Departments and tribal educators.
• ACE Project (Accessing Choices in Education) A five-year grant project that expanded educational choices for Native students, enabling students and families to choose relevant education services through informed decisions. Partnered with five Oklahoma-based Tribes and served Native American students across 19 Oklahoma high schools.
• Native Youth Community Project (NYCP) A project focused on Native youth community initiatives with password-protected content for authorized access. Supports tribal self-determination and community-based education outcomes for Native youth.
• Indigenous College Guide to Somewhere A comprehensive booklet (Updated 2025) with tips, resources, and worksheets for Indigenous high school students planning for college, including sections on college distances, financial aid, test-free admissions, and tribal colleges. For Indigenous high school students and families.
• Teens & Families Toolkit A toolkit based on decades of research and best practices for adolescent development, personal competencies, college and career readiness, parenting practices, and family engagement in education. For adults helping young people in tribal communities engage with learning and thrive.
• Scholarship Database A curated database of scholarships for Native American students covering dozens of scholarship programs (Sallie Mae, Daughters of the American Revolution, Jackie Robinson Foundation, Cobell Scholarship, AISES Scholarships, American Indian College Fund, etc.) with application deadlines, amounts, and direct links. For Native students, families, and school counselors.
• Partners Meeting Webinars Free monthly webinars featuring organizations offering education resources, tools, and opportunities for Native Americans. Open to all, with recordings of past sessions covering FAFSA updates, college pathways, AISES STEM programs, scholarship information, and other tribal education topics.
• TEDNA Annual Meeting Annual conference for tribal education professionals, held as a pre-conference to the NIEA Convention. Features presentations on tribal education, AI readiness, leadership training, and networking opportunities. 2025 held in Spokane, WA; 2026 planned for Buffalo, NY. For Tribal Education Departments, JOM/Title VI staff, and tribal education leaders.
• 2026 AI + College & Career Readiness Training A two-day in-person training event (June 2-3, 2026) at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma, co-hosted with the Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of American Indian Education and AISES. Integrates artificial intelligence and college/career readiness training for JOM, Title VI, Indian Education staff, and Tribal Education Departments. Features keynote from Khan Academy, breakout sessions, networking, and certificates of attendance.
• Sovereign Schools Project Created under TEDNA as part of its mission to empower indigenous communities. Led to the establishment of Sovereign Community School in Oklahoma City, founded on beliefs that student wellness is foundational to academic success and that culturally relevant curriculum increases engagement and learning.

Quantifiable outcome

• TEDNA membership spans 56 tribes across 26 states, representing a significant national reach in tribal education.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of American Indian EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEDNA collaborates with the Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of American Indian Education to co-host the June 2026 AI + College & Career Readiness Training event at the Sam Noble Museum in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a direct co-development partnership for a statewide training convening targeting tribal and school education staff.
• AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAISES is a co-host partner for the June 2026 AI + College & Career Readiness Training, bringing STEM education expertise and network to the event. AISES was also featured as a presenter in TEDNA Partners Meeting Webinars on advancing Indigenous people in STEM.
• Khan AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKhan Academy provided a keynote speaker for the June 2026 AI + College & Career Readiness Training and presented a December 2025 TEDNA AI Sovereignty webinar on 'How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education.'
• National Indian Education Association (NIEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEDNA's Annual Meeting is held as a pre-conference event to NIEA's Annual Convention, with the two events operating independently but in proximity. TEDNA has a history of presenting at NIEA events and the organizations share重叠 audiences in tribal education.
• ACTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerACT presented at a January 2026 TEDNA AI Sovereignty webinar on 'Next Generation AI and College Admissions for Native American Students,' providing expertise on AI-driven college readiness tools for tribal students.
• Colleague AIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerColleague AI presented at a November 2025 TEDNA webinar on 'Colleague AI: Empowering Tribal Educators through AI Collaboration,' exploring how AI tools can support tribal educators in their work.
• American Institutes for Research (AIR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIR presented at the TEDNA 2024 Annual Meeting on 'How State Education Agencies Can Partner With Tribal Education Agencies,' contributing technical assistance expertise on tribal-state education partnerships.
• Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIE Director Tony Dearman presented at TEDNA's 2024 Annual Meeting on JOM, TEDNA Grant, Higher Education Policy. TEDNA advocates for formalizing BIE-TED/TEA roles through consultations, MOUs, and shared accountability to improve outcomes for Indian students in BIE-funded schools.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC): AIHEC represents the nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities and advocates for their federal funding and policy interests. AIHEC's TCU-focused mission complements TEDNA's broader tribal K–12 and education-department focus, with overlapping federal advocacy channels.
• First Nations Development Institute: First Nations Development Institute supports Native-led organizations through grantmaking, capacity building, and policy advocacy across education, economic development, and food sovereignty. TEDNA and First Nations share a Native-led, capacity-building ethos and overlapping funder base.
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES): AISES is a strategic partner of TEDNA (co-hosting the June 2026 AI + CCR Training) and a leading Native STEM education nonprofit. Both organizations serve Native students and educators with culturally grounded programming and federal advocacy.
• Native American Rights Fund (NARF): NARF is a founding supporter of TEDNA and works alongside it on tribal governance frameworks, education codes, and consultation policy. NARF provides the legal infrastructure that enables TEDNA's advocacy, making it a closely allied peer in the tribal sovereignty ecosystem.
• National Indian Education Association (NIEA): NIEA is the largest national Native-led advocacy organization for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian education, sharing overlapping member constituencies and federal advocacy missions with TEDNA. TEDNA's Annual Meeting is held as a pre-conference to NIEA's convention, evidencing deep operational overlap.
• American Indian College Fund: The American Indian College Fund supports Native student access to higher education through scholarships and tribal college funding, paralleling TEDNA's Indigenous College Guide to Somewhere and Scholarship Database. Both organizations target Native educational attainment through complementary mechanisms.

Emerging players

• Center for Native American Youth (CNAY): CNAY, housed at the Aspen Institute, focuses on Native youth leadership, education, and policy advocacy. It serves a younger demographic with similar policy goals, making it a thematic peer though less focused on Tribal Education Departments specifically.

Broad incumbents

• National Congress of American Indians (NCAI): NCAI is the oldest and largest national organization representing tribal governments on broad policy issues including education. TEDNA's specialized TED focus complements NCAI's comprehensive tribal sovereignty mandate, making NCAI a broader-incumbent peer.
• Bureau of Indian Education (BIE): The BIE is the federal agency that operates and funds schools serving Native students, and is a key institutional partner of TEDNA. While BIE is a government entity rather than a peer organization, it is a major counterparty in TEDNA's advocacy and shared accountability agenda.

Others

• Native Americans in Philanthropy: Native Americans in Philanthropy mobilizes philanthropic investment in Native communities and could serve as a funding conduit for TEDNA's grant-dependent model. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/tedna.03
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tedna
• Instagraminstagram.com/tednaokc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Tribal Education Departments National Assembly