Survey Finds Native Students' Wellness Needs Unmet

Survey findings presented to South Dakota educators show most schools lack funding for mental and reproductive health services for Native American students.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of an empty wooden chair with a folded blanket beside an open window looking out over a distant prairie. — Survey findings presented to South Dakota educators show nearly 60% of responding principals say their schools lack funding for Native student mental and reproductive health services. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you think your local schools have enough funding for student wellness services?

Researchers presented survey findings on Native American student wellness needs to South Dakota educators at the annual Indian Education Summit in Pierre. Nearly 60% of the 157 responding principals said their schools lack funding for mental and reproductive health education and access.

Why it matters

The findings point to gaps in mental health, reproductive health, housing, food and hygiene support for Native students across South Dakota, where many schools serve students from tribal communities. The research team hopes the results will help educators build action plans to address those needs.

The survey was sent to 673 principals and drew 157 responses, with nearly 60% of respondents saying their schools lack adequate funding for mental and reproductive health services. Whether non-responding schools face similar gaps has not been determined.

The players

South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations

A state agency that coordinates government relations with the nine federally recognized tribes in South Dakota.

South Dakota Office of Indian Education

A state office that oversees education programs and policy for American Indian students in South Dakota public schools.

The details

Principals were asked to identify student needs and the resources available to Native American students. Respondents also described limited access to community elders and knowledge keepers and difficulty hiring staff with culturally relevant or trauma-informed training. The research was funded in part by federal grants and conducted with the South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations and the state Office of Indian Education.

Survey data was collected earlier in 2026 from South Dakota principals.
Findings were presented on Thursday at the Indian Education Summit in Pierre, before November 15, 2026.

Policy Context

The findings build on decades of federal Indian education policy, including the Indian Education Act of 1972, by showing that wellness services for Native students remain underfunded in South Dakota schools today.

Parents and educators in schools serving Native American students can ask their districts about current funding for mental and reproductive health services. Community members can also contact tribal education offices to learn about existing support resources.

The takeaway

Schools serving Native American students in South Dakota may need dedicated funding for mental health, housing, food and hygiene support to meet basic student needs. Reviewing local budgets for these services is a practical first step for parents and educators.