Office of Indian Education

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

Office of Indian Education

December 2024


The Office of Indian Education would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Lights

Heart & Spirit of Tribal Consultation

As we enter this holiday season of giving and receiving, the Office of Indian Education has a gift for you. We are honored to share the “Heart & Spirit of Tribal Consultation” video set. This set of 10 videos includes an opening video and nine individualized videos by which each Tribe shares, in their own words, what tribal consultation and sovereignty means to them. In my role with ODE, I often am asked “What is effective Tribal Consultation when working with Tribes?”. Although I can provide some guidance, having a Tribe share their perspectives and expectations on this complex, yet vital topic, is such a wonderful gift.

In Oregon, Tribal Consultation is legal requirement, and it is a process to engage each Tribe in meaningful conversations and dialogues. I encourage us all to embrace consultation, not only as a requirement, but as an opportunity to improve the lives and communities for all whom call Oregon their home.  We want to express our gratitude to the Tribes for their valuable guidance and insight to what Tribal Consultation looks like, feels like, and sounds like. A special thank you to Region 16 Comprehensive Center for funding this project!

As you enjoy viewing this gift, we encourage you to put into practice ideas and strategies shared to either begin building or strengthen Tribal Consultation efforts.

- April Campbell, Assistant Superintendent 

Heart and Spirit of Tribal Consultation Video Series:

To watch the entire series please visit: Heart & Spirit of Tribal Consultation 


Tribal History/Shared History Curriculum Update from the Desk of Brent Spencer, Indian Education Coordinator

THSH logo

Curriculum Update - We are on the verge of completing new Tribal History/Shared History for grade 9! Please continue to check for updates. In the meantime, we encourage you to participate in our online professional development modules which may be accessed on our TH/SH Webpage.

Uplifting Exemplars Around the State - Each month, we will be highlighting a school district that exemplifies TH/SH lesson plan implementation. For the month of December, we are recognizing the Southern Oregon ESD. This story comes from Teresa Cisneros of Southern Oregon. 

The journey of Tribal History/Shared History has been nothing short of inspiring. Even through the challenges of the pandemic, this program continues to create meaningful change in Southern Oregon and beyond.

While attendance at recent trainings has significantly declined—possibly due to capacity challenges or the complexities of the Tribal Consultation process—we remain optimistic. The educators who have participated in these trainings have been phenomenal in embracing and implementing the program in their school districts. Their dedication is creating a lasting impact on students and communities.

One key insight we’ve gained is the incredible power of administrator support and commitment. When administrators stand behind these initiatives with consistency and passion, the results are transformative. Though some districts are still working toward full implementation, we’re heartened by the progress we’ve seen and the determination to move forward.

A special shoutout goes to ODE Indian Ed for their unwavering vision and dedication. Their work is nothing short of extraordinary, bringing about systemic change that is profoundly beautiful and meaningful. The impact they are having on tribal students and communities is truly something to celebrate.

If you’re curious to learn more or ready to take part in this journey, I offer trainings on Tribal History/Shared History and Indian Ed 101. You can find me and my courses on PD Networks. I’d love to connect with you and work together to make a difference.

Thank you for being part of this important mission. Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season!

-Teresa

NEW Community of Practice - We have created a TH/SH Community of Practice. Meetings will be held virtually each month and will provide a platform for educators to share best practices when delivering the TH/SH lesson plans. This will be a great resource for educators to share experiences. These meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of the month with the next meeting date on December 11th at 3:00 PM. The zoom link can be accessed by all educators, curriculum developers, and administrators.

Topic: THSH Community of Practice
Time: Dec 11, 2024 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join ZoomGov Meeting
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610562171

Meeting ID: 161 056 2171


Building on Progress

Gov. Tina Kotek said Monday she will recommend the Oregon Legislature pass a $39.3 billion budget that directs millions of additional dollars toward housing, homelessness, behavioral health and education, and represents a $4.7 billion increase in total spending from the current two-year budget. Kotek unveiled her proposed budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, labeling it "Building on Progress." The budget focuses on maintaining the state's shelter system, building additional affordable housing, bolstering Oregon's treatment capacity, and increasing the state school fund. In 2023, the governor proposed $32.1 billion focused on much of the same goals. She asked for millions to build more housing, reduce homelessness, improve access to mental health and addiction services, and improve outcomes in early literacy and K-12 schools.

The Governor is unrelenting in the fight for every Oregonian to have a safe, affordable place to call home. Her 2025-2027 budget demonstrates her continued resolve toward making progress to create:

  • An Oregon where no one has to sleep outside
  • An Oregon where healthcare is there when you need it
  • An Oregon where the promise of every child is realized

“My approach to being your Governor will always be grounded in truth, pragmatism, and a relentless pursuit of equitable outcomes for all Oregonians,” Governor Kotek said. “The December revenue forecast projects stability for Oregon, and I am pleased to share that my budget does not lay off people or cut services, and instead strategically deepens our commitment to building progress on Oregonians’ top priorities while remaining disciplined when it comes to new programs.

To read more please visit: Statesman Journal Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek

To See the Governor's full recommended budget please visit: RECOMMENED BUDGET


Books of the Month

A family Tree

A Family Tree: Staci Lola Drouillard, Kate Gardiner

A modern-day twist to The Giving Tree, this book chronicles the changes brought upon a beloved family tree that must be uprooted and planted on new land. This debut picture book by Staci Lola Drouillard (Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe descendant) celebrates resiliency, family bonds, and our deep connection to and responsibility for nature. For more information please visit:A Family tree 

Coming Home

Coming Home: Mavasta Honyouti

Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story is a deeply personal book – written in both English and Hopi – that features sixteen stunning original painted wood carvings. It is an unforgettable testament to one man rising above a painful piece of history to keep the light of his family and culture alive. For more information please visit: Coming Home 

 


Events & Activities

  • Silverton, OR: Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th 10:00 - 4:00 pm Join park staff and volunteers in a celebration of the winter season at Silver Falls with activities that include wreath making, bird nest box making, bird crafts, pine cone bird feeders, and discovery tables. Three guided walks will be available each day. For more information about this FREE event please visit: Silver Falls Winter Festival
  • Silverton, Or: November 21st - December 31st 5:00 - 9:00 pm Join an awe-inspiring light display and market t at the Oregon Garden Resort. This annual event offers a joyous and magical holiday experience for all ages. The event returns this winter with more lights than ever before, with 1.5 million lights, new and improved dazzling light displays, local artisan vendors, vendor booths dedicated to handmade German-imported goods like nutcrackers, and more. For more information please visit: Silverton Christmas Market
  • Portland, OR: November 29th - December 31st Times Vary. Recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the “Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi”, Winter Wonderland will grab your attention with glimmers and glows around every corner. Since 1993, a journey through Winter Wonderland has become a holiday tradition for many families, friends, and social organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Spectators can enjoy the region’s most spectacular drive-through light show, viewing over 250 colorful light set pieces and many fully animated scenes from the comfort of their own vehicle. All proceeds from the event will benefit Sunshine Division‘s year-round hunger relief efforts that provide thousands of free, nutritious meals to Portland families in need. For more information please visit: Raceway PDX
  • McMinnville, OR: Saturday December 14th 10:30 am. Hosted on the Gallery Theater Main Stage, the event will feature a live sing-a-long led by “elves,” a special appearance by Santa Claus, and holiday-themed activities. Attendees will enjoy hot cocoa, holiday treats, and craft stations, creating a memorable experience for our community. For more information please visit: Santa's Jingle Jam 
  • Bandon, OR: Saturday December 14th 5:30 - 6:30 pm. On December 14, Bandon lights up with the annual Holiday Light Parade. Everyone is invited to Light Up! Your vehicle, your pet, yourself! No registration or fees are required. Line up begins at 5:00 p.m. Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information please visit: Bandon Holiday Lights Parade 
  • Portland, OR: November 15th - December 29th 10:00 - 6:00 pm. Portland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs. For more information please visit: PDX Indigenous Marketplace 
  • Salem, OR: November 22nd - January 4th 5:30 - 10:00pm. Magic of Lights, a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience, is bigger and brighter than ever with more than a mile of spectacular light displays that bring to life your favorite holiday scenes and characters. Don’t miss the larger-than-life sparkling Holiday Barbie™ display, the supersized Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and life-sized dinosaurs of Prehistoric Christmas! Pile everyone into the car and experience more at the same low price! For more information please visit: Salem Magic of Lights

NAYA Winter Gathering

Native Community and Friends, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of warmth, joy, and cherished family moments on December 18th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Get ready for a festive celebration that includes taking photos with the one and only Solte Santa, singing your heart out with Christmas karaoke, crafting holiday goodies, and enjoying a wide range of fun activities for the whole family. For more information please visit: NAYA Winter Gathering

winter gathering

Native Design

New Years Eve Pow Wow

The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest presents the Annual Sobriety Powwow.
The NARA New Years' Eve Sobriety Powwow is one of the country’s largest sobriety new year powwows. It is undoubtedly the largest sober New Year’s party in Portland, where thousands close out the year with drums, songs and dance (all alcohol-free).
Free Family Event, Open to the Public.
ph: 503-224-1044
Email: info@naranorthwest.org

For more information please visit: New Years Eve Pow Wow 

Native Design

Conferences & Webinars

Community of Practice Virtual Gathering

December 9th 2024

We welcome you to join Healthy Native Youth’s Community of Practice virtual gatherings held the second Wednesday of each month at 10-11:30 am PST. Our passion is to work together to uplift and support our Native youth. Sessions include new resources and opportunities to engage with native professionals in the field. As a community, we share our strengths and experiences about how we will improve the lives of Native youth. For more information please visit: Community of Practice

Elevating Native Perspectives & Practices at Farmers Markets

December 9th, 2024

At this special virtual gathering, we’ll celebrate the culmination of OFMA’s 4-week Native Knowledge Sharing Learn-a-Long, where we invite market staff to read and reflect on this new digital toolkit. Facilitated by toolkit authors S.A. Lawrence-Welch (Nêhiýaw & Métis) and Vawn Jason Borges (Kānaka Maoli), this session will offer space to discuss meaningful and sustainable ways integrate Indigenous knowledge and cultural awareness into farmers market operations. Building stronger, more respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities offers a valuable opportunity for market staff seeking to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at their markets to ensure that Oregon Farmers Markets are welcoming and accessible to all. Join us as we talk through actionable strategies for increasing economic opportunities and cultural representation for Native community members in Oregon’s local food systems. For more information please visit: Native Farmer Market

 


Sapsik'ʷałá Applications are Open until January 15th!

Seeking Future Indigenous Educators! The Sapsik'ʷałá (Teacher) Education Program is currently recruiting applicants for our next cohort, which will begin classes in the summer of 2025 at our beautiful campus at the University of Oregon. The Sapsik'ʷałá Program is a rigorous, 12-month program that prepares future Indigenous educators. Sapsik'ʷałá students earn a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teaching in partnership with the UOTeach master’s / licensure program while gaining Indigenous methodologies for teaching. Please see our admissions checklist for details on how to apply. Applications are open and priority is given to applications submitted by January 15th.  

See attachments to learn more about program provisions and hear about the student experience from our alumni. Please contact sapsikwala@uoregon.edu or by phone at (541) 346-2454 for program details!

November

Tribal Health Scholars Program

Tribal Heath scholars

Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is now accepting applications! 

About THS: 

Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is a paid externship program that supports and inspires AI/AN high school students to envision themselves as healthcare professionals and to pursue education required for a career in healthcare.

Program Highlights: 

  • Virtual Curriculum:14 hours of in depth education on health careers with other regional learners.
  • Clinical Shadowing: 12 hours of shadowing at your local tribal clinic. 
  • Financial Support: $700 stipend for curriculum completion, $600 stipend for clinical shadowing completion, scrubs provided.

Application Period: 

Please visit their website for full eligibility details and FAQs. Follow us on IG and FB for updates! Contact Katie Harris Murphy, with any questions. 


Tilikum Summer Health Experience

The Tilikum Summer Health Experience (Tilikum) are now accepting applications until February 2025!

About Tilikum: 

This 5-week summer program is designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) college students with up to 60 credits who are interested in health professions. Tilikum offers a combination of virtual learning and in-person experiences that include academic training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to health careers—all while connecting students with their Indigenous heritage. 

Program Highlights: 

  • Academic Enrichment: Core science courses, skill-building workshops, and exploration of Indigenous health issues. 
  • Indigenous Health & Wellness: Cultural wellness activities, visits to Indigenous sites, and connection with AI/AN healthcare professionals. 
  • Professional Development: Practice in PSU’s Cadaver Lab and OHSU’s Simulation Center, shadowing at OHSU, and Tribal Opioid Response Training. 
  • Financial Support: $1,000 stipend, meals/meal allowance, housing, and up to $500 in travel support for in-person activities. 

Application Period: 

Please see the attached flyer and visit our website for full eligibility details and FAQs. Follow us on IG and FB for updates on upcoming Informational Sessions and Q&A! Contact Alethea Barlowe, Tilikum Program Manager with any questions. 

 

TilkumTilkum 2

Job Opportunities

Oregon Department of Education Job Openings

If you're looking for a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children, you're in the right place! The Oregon Department of Education is the primary agency charged with overseeing K-12 public education in the state of Oregon.

Employment with Oregon state government represents more than just a job. A career in public service is an opportunity to serve fellow citizens across our beautiful state. Professions in state government help to support strong communities, healthy kids, education, economic vitality and a sustainable future.

For More Information about these listings and further Job Openings, Please visit our Career Opportunities webpage. 

ODE Career Chats are LIVE! Would you like to learn more about a position or how our application process works?  Join our Recruitment Team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!

Join us on the 1st Thursday of every month from 11:00 am to 11:45 am (PST) 

Join ZoomGov Meeting -https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1618573320

NAYA Job Openings 

Community Development

Community Development Support Specialist

Financial Wellness Coordinator

Home Repair Coordinator

Reimagining Justice in Cully – Project Coordinator

Family Services

Early Childhood Family First Advocate

Early Head Start Floater/Teacher Aide

Foster Care Family First Advocate

Foster Care Support Specialist

Housing and Stabilization Services

Family Housing Advocate (Mobile Housing Team)

Resident Services Coordinator

Many Nations Academy

Many Nations Academy Principal

Substitute Teacher

Youth & Education Services

Alcohol & Drug Specialist

Culture, Education and Wellness Manager

GED Success Coach

Health Equity Program Manager

Student Success Specialist

Two Spirit (LGBTQIA+) Program Coordinator

**Please follow this link to see more positions available at NAYA.


Native Connections

  • Indigenous Events of Portland, OR give updated events and activities that are happening in Portland through December 2024!
  • Native American Travel lets you explore and learn about Tribes across America. Plan your next trip with suggested destination sites, planned itineraries, travel tips, and experiences. 
  • Visit the Native American Connections website to stay updated with the North Bend Community resources, available scholarships, community craft culture activities, TAPP, Tribal history/ Shared history and a variety of local services. 
  • Native American Culture: Celebrate Indigenous Oregon by visiting their website that was created to explore Native American culture around the state of Oregon. This site has trip ideas, historical content for all nine federally recognized Oregon Tribes, cultural activities, and updated Oregon Tribal news. To check out more about this site please visit, Travel Oregon Native American Culture

Oregon Tribal Websites

Burns Paiute Tribe 

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians 

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians 

Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Coquille Indian Tribe

Klamath Tribes 

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

9 Tribes of Oregon images

Newsletter Submissions

Do you have events or highlights in your community that you would like showcased in  upcoming newsletters? If so, please send submissions to Raina Reece at Raina.Reece@ode.oregon.gov


Contact the Office of Indian Education

Please feel free to e-mail our staff members with any questions or comments you may have

April Campbell, Assistant Superintendent

April.Campbell@ode.oregon.gov

Renee Roman Nose, Native American Student Success Coordinator: Renee.RomanNose@ode.oregon.gov

Brent Spencer, Indian Education Coordinator

Brent.Spencer@ode.oregon.gov

Brandon Culbertson, Early Literacy Senior Tribal Policy and Education Advisor   Brandon.Culbertson@ode.oregon.gov

Stacy Parrish, Indian Education Specialist 

Stacy.Parrish@ode.oregon.gov

Nicole Barney, Early Literacy Grant Specialist

Nicole.Barney@ode.oregon.gov

Raina Reece, Executive Support Specialist

Raina.Reece@ode.oregon.gov 

Stephanie Gluck, Research & Data Analyst

Stephanie.Gluck@ode.oregon.gov