Those who have proposed an Indian Education for All act in Wyoming are looking to Montana for examples of how the law could work in the Cowboy State.

Montana's constitution is unique in its commitment to preserving the cultural integrity of American Indians through education. An amendment, approved in 1999, mandated teaching elementary and secondary students about American Indian history and culture.

But it wasn't until 2005 that Montana's Legislature agreed to help pay for schools to implement the law, after the state was sued for not adequately funding a quality education.

"Indian Education for All is included in the [state's] definition of quality education," said Mike Jetty, an Indian Education specialist for the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

In 2007, the Montana Legislature appropriated more than $3 million to school districts to implement the law and a continuation of funding from 2005.

An additional $1.5 million in one-time funds was also approved. Funds received are based on enrollment, ranging from around $1,000 to more than $100,000.

Jetty said teachers are encouraged to include information about American Indian culture where it's appropriate. For example, a biology unit on state plants could include a lesson on which plants are used by Montana's tribes.

"It's not like they have to integrate things every day," Jetty said. "It's kind of like Indian Education for All is the rest of story."

Everall Fox, Director of Indian Education for Billings Public Schools, said the law is about teaching a new perspective, not about changing history.

"The state felt it was really important for schools to teach about the real stories of Montana's Indians in their own words," Fox said. "We want our voices heard, and we want our perspectives heard, as well. It's an infusion of that information into existing curriculum."

Fox said American Indian students benefit from seeing their culture's stories in their schoolwork, especially in urban areas.

"If the school is sort of speaking about their culture, it really does make them feel more welcome," Fox said.

But the law goes even deeper than building student self-esteem.

"It's not just for Indian students, to help them feel better about themselves, or do better in school," Fox said. "It's about telling our non-Indian neighbors about ourselves.

"It wasn't more than 40 years ago, in Great Falls, where they still had the signs up in bars - no Indians, and no dogs."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.