This article traces the Native American education policy career of William Demmert, Jr. from the development and implementation of the Indian Education Act of 1972 through the implementation of the Executive Order on American Indian and Alaska Native Education signed by President Clinton to the initiation of a unique research partnership to document the impact of culturally based education on the academic achievement of Native American students. It places his career within the context of both the history American education policy and the unique political-legal contexts and needs associated with the education of Native American students.