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- By Native News Online Staff
Congress has approved $13.482 million in federal funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts for fiscal year 2026, rejecting a Trump administration proposal that would have eliminated the school’s federal appropriation.
The funding is included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 8 by a bipartisan vote of 397–28 and was later approved by the U.S. Senate.
The appropriation keeps IAIA’s funding level flat and signals continued bipartisan support for the Santa Fe-based institution’s mission, regardless of the administration’s priorities. The funding supports IAIA’s academic programs, student services and general operations.
“This bipartisan funding provides critical stability for our students and for the faculty and staff who support them,” said IAIA President Dr. Shelly C. Lowe, a citizen of the Navajo Nation. “It allows IAIA to continue empowering creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher education, while affirming the enduring value of Native artists and cultural knowledge in this country. We are grateful to Congress and to New Mexico’s congressional delegation for standing with IAIA and the communities we serve.”
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said the legislation reflects bipartisan cooperation and protects key programs for Indian Country.
“Developed through thoughtful, bipartisan, committee-led negotiations, we delivered a full-year spending measure that reduces energy costs, protects America’s public lands, and safeguards important programs that Indian Country relies on,” Cole said. “As someone who has always championed both Tribal sovereignty and returning the appropriations process to regular order, I am very pleased to see the Interior and Environment bill move through the legislative process, and I thank Subcommittee Chair Mike Simpson for his work on this bill.”
New Mexico Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández said she worked with lawmakers from both parties to preserve funding for the institution after the Trump administration proposed eliminating it.
“Art is a vital pathway to understand culture, identity, and heritage and IAIA is one of the best institutions in the country doing just that,” Leger Fernández said. “That’s why I fought so hard to secure this bipartisan funding for this beautiful institution—which elevates Indigenous arts and cultures around the world. President Trump proposed eliminating IAIA’s funding — let’s repeat that — he proposed zero funding.”
“Pushing back against such an extreme attack, Democrats and Republicans came together last week to support Native artists, preserve Indigenous culture, and make sure these stories are carried forward for generations,” she added. “I will continue working alongside Chairman Cole and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro to keep funding IAIA’s mission.”
Founded in 1962, IAIA is the only four-year degree-granting institution in the world dedicated to contemporary Indigenous arts and cultures. Supporters said the latest funding decision underscores the school’s resilience and the ongoing commitment of its community to carry Indigenous creativity, knowledge and culture forward for future generations.
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