Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season. May this time of year bring rest, reflection, and renewed connection with community, culture, and the traditions that ground us. As we welcome the New Year, may it bring new opportunities, continued strength, and moments of growth for you and your communities. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to supporting one another in the year ahead. Happy holidays from the Office of Indian Education!
The Office of Indian Education: Community Corner
Shared by Brandon Culbertson, Senior Early Literacy Advisor
As the seasons turn and the holidays draw near, I look forward to spending time with family—sharing meals, laughter, and stories that remind us of who we are and what truly matters. I’ll also take time to reconnect with the land through ceremony, hunting, and fishing in my tribal homeland of Wind River, and to visit family in Klamath Falls and Sprague River. In the presence of the grand mountains and the living breath of the natural world, I find peace, gratitude, and renewal. This season reminds us that thankfulness and the strength of our relationships are not meant for a single day or time of year, but are gifts to be tended year-round—guiding our work, our spirit, and our sense of belonging.
Besiihi’ Neito’eino’ (All my Relation)
Shared by Raina Reece, Executive Administrative Assistant
This Native American Heritage Month, I had the joy of sitting with my family to bead handmade Native ornaments, and the experience was one that will stay with us for a long time! As we worked together—sharing stories, laughter, and quiet moments of focus and a few needle pokes. There was a sense of connection that reached far beyond the table, as if our ancestors were smiling down on us that afternoon. We were all so happy with how the final product turned out and can't wait until we can get together again!
Tribal History/Shared History Updates
TH/SH Curriculum Professional Development
Professional Development from collaboration with WestED and the Office of Indian Education is now available through Canvas. Please visit the Tribal History/ Shared History Curriculum Professional Learning Modules that will take you through a series of self-paced segments that will help you deepen your knowledge of the TH/SH curriculum and the nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon. The modules will also build your capacity to use best practices to implement the lessons. They offer support for both leaders and classroom educators. The modules were developed in partnership with an Advisory Council of Indigenous educators in Oregon.
Tribal Curriculum
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have updated their Tribal Curriculum (Grades 1st, 6th and 12th) that is now up and active on our Tribal Curriculum webpage. Here are some materials from 1st grade:
TH/SH Community of Practice — a collaborative space for educators to connect, share, and grow together. Each month, we’ll meet virtually to exchange best practices, explore innovative approaches to TH/SH lesson plans, and celebrate the successes happening across our classrooms.
These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn from peers, gain fresh ideas, and strengthen our collective impact on student learning.
Let’s build a supportive community where great teaching ideas thrive — we hope to see you there!
Topic: THSH Community of Practice Time: December 10th, 2025 03:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Reminder and reaffirmation of SB 13 (2017) – Tribal History/Shared History (THSH)
THSH Lessons
THSH Professional Learning
The purpose of this message is to reaffirm our commitment to Senate Bill 13 (2017), which directs all districts to implement Tribal History/Shared History (THSH) lesson plans within their classrooms. This law is further supported through ORS 329.493, curriculum relating to the Native American Experience in Oregon. Goal 5 of the new American Indian and Alaska Native Student Success plan uplifts THSH as a culturally responsive approach which has positive impacts on ALL students.
THSH Lesson Plans are a gift that shares the experience of Oregon’s original inhabitants and enriches student knowledge of the nine sovereign Nations that call Oregon their home. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is committed to fostering district government-to-government relationships with the nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon and implementation of THSH lesson plans foster a deeper understanding of tribal history, as well as contemporary issues shared by the Tribes.
The THSH lesson plans can be accessed through the ODE Office of Indian Education THSH webpage. This page is often updated, so please visit frequently for new lesson plans. Currently, lessons have been developed in a wide-range of subjects for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, and 10th.
NEW this School Year! In response to district and educator feedback, three new Tribal History, Shared History learning modules have been created on Canvas in collaboration with Native educators across the state.
Module 1 centers on Foundational Knowledge needed to implement the lessons with confidence.
Module 2 dives deeper into Instructional Practice, adding common misconceptions and suggestions for working through implementation concerns.
Module 3 was written with district and school leaders in mind and is designed to help you support teachers in implementing the THSH lesson plans. The Office of Indian Education also encourages the following best practices to support successful implementation of THSH within your buildings:
Every district should identify a Tribal History/Shared History liaison, director, or team to ensure implementation of the lesson plans in compliance with the law and in alignment to district curricular scope and sequence.
Educator, district and school leader participation in the new THSH Modules is recommended to expand your background knowledge and increase your confidence in implementing the lesson plans.
Create a local Community of Practice to discuss lesson plan implementation.
Participate in the monthly THSH Community of Practice offered by the Office of Indian Education.
For any questions, please contact Brent Spencer in the Office of Indian Education at Brent.Spencer@ode.oregon.gov.
Thank you for your continued leadership in fostering an equitable and inclusive education system for all students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlene Williams
Director of the Oregon Department of Education
AI/AN Advisory Committee
We invite you to join us in celebrating and amplifying the voices of our American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Advisory Committee members. Your perspectives matter—community comments are welcome and can be submitted in advance to raina.reece@ode.oregon.gov.
Guests are encouraged to attend our meetings to listen, learn, and connect as we work together to support Native education across Oregon. Time will be set aside for community comments and agency updates, as outlined in the meeting agenda, which will be posted on our AI/AN Advisory Committee webpage at least 48 hours before the January 9th meeting.
ODE is also releasing the new SEED Survey Statewide Report, which captures students' voices about their experience in Oregon’s public schools.
(Salem, OR) - The 2024-25 edition of the Oregon Statewide Report Card is now available on the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) website. This annual look at Oregon’s kindergarten through grade 12 education system compiles key data on students, teachers and schools in one place for ease of access and transparency.
“This annual report is a vital tool that helps us understand how our students and schools are doing—where we are making progress, where we can do better, and how we can continue refining the ways we serve communities across our state,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We are building a system where continuous improvement is part of our culture, and where every public resource is invested in ways that research and experience show make the greatest difference for students. That’s the promise of accountability. That’s the work ahead. And together, we’re going to deliver.”
Oregon Statewide Report Card
The Oregon Statewide Report Card includes important education outcome data, most of which has already been released in the last year:
There are 379 unique languages spoken by Oregon students.
There were 3,713 Oregon State Seals of Biliteracy (OSSB) awarded to students for the 2024-25 school year, an increase of 465 from the previous year. This is the fourth year in a row that the count of awarded OSSBs has increased.
The number of women serving as school district superintendents increased 3.2 percentage points to 39.6%.
Oregon classrooms continue to become more diverse:
Students of color now make up 42.5% of the state’s K-12 student body, an increase of 0.9 percentage points from the previous year.
Teachers of color represent 14.1% of classroom educators, an increase of 0.4 percentage points.
The percentage of ninth graders on-track to graduate increased in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24. The total statewide rate increased by 1.8 percentage points to 86.6% and is the highest rate ever reported.
SEED Survey Statewide Report
The Student Educational Equity Development (SEED) Survey Statewide Report summarizes the key findings from this annual survey that is offered to all students in grades 3-11 across Oregon. Reviewing the SEED data alongside the Statewide Report Card adds nuance and depth to the numbers, helping ODE make connections between data and what students are telling us.
The 2024-25 survey captured the voices of more than 180,000 students on topics ranging from their sense of feeling valued and welcome at school, to the learning opportunities they have at school, and their plans following graduation.
Important findings in the report include:
92% of students perceive that there are adults at their school who care about them. 84% of students agree that they feel welcome at their school. These indicators of belonging have a strong positive association with attendance and with ninth grade on-track rates.
Some student groups consistently report a lower sense of belonging across elementary, middle, and high school, including students with disabilities and students experiencing poverty.
80% of students in 4th grade report that they sometimes or often work in groups to talk about a math problem. Having more opportunities for math discussion is correlated with greater math self-efficacy and achievement.
59% of students in grade 6-11 report that they regularly participate in extracurriculars at school. Participation in extracurricular activities is correlated with higher attendance rates and an increased sense of belonging.
79% of students in grade 7-11 agreed that they have opportunities to take courses that will help them achieve their future goals.
This year’s report also includes new domain scores, which aggregate responses to make the data more interpretable and allow ODE to disaggregate the results by student group. ODE is excited about the potential for this additional reporting to further support districts in their equity work.
Missed This? Take a Look!
Honoring Oregon's Nine Tribes - Posting of the Tribal Colors Ceremony
On October 16, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) held a historic Posting of the Tribal Colors ceremony with representatives from Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes, the State Board of Education (SBE), ODE staff, and community partners. Each Tribe was invited to designate a representative to carry and post their Tribal flag and to share brief remarks during the ceremony. Other speakers included ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams, former ODE Director Colt Gill, and representatives from the SBE and Governor’s Office. This moment was highlighted by the Crooked River youth drum group from the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.
One winter solstice, Mommy says, "Baby, we're going home to the Rez. We're going to have an Anishinaabe Christmas." But this is Baby's first Christmas away from the city, and they're worried! They have a lot of questions: How will Santa know where to find them? Why do we have presents on Christmas?
This beautiful book from beloved Indigenous author Wab Kinew celebrates the holiday season through an Anishinaabe lense. Baby and his mother are going to the Rez for Christmas. Along the way Baby learns the legends, vocabulary, and traditions that have been in his family for generations. For the Youtube Read aloud version please visit: An Anishinaabe Christmas
OSU URSA Engage Program
The URSA Engage Program is open to all types of faculty mentors across OSU. Our goal is to provide first- and second-year students (including first-year transfer students) with opportunities to build foundational research skills.
Student applications are due on December 12, 2025 at 11:59pm PT and notifications of awards will be sent in late January. Awardees are expected to engage with their projects for an average of five hours a week for the 15-week duration of the project (mid-winter to the end of spring 2026). For More information please visit: URSA Engage Program
Sapsik’ʷałá Teacher Education Program
Seeking Future Indigenous Educators! The Sapsik'ʷałá (Teacher) Education Program is currently recruiting applicantsfor 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..
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!
Tsagaglalal Scholarship at Portland State University
$10,000 Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship
Applications are open! Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) Scholarships support future design and building professionals and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to participate in the process of designing and building our world.
The Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches) Scholarship is a renewable $10,000 award for non-graduating Indigenous students of U.S. states and territories, pursuing a degree in art or architecture at Portland State University. Students who receive the award are eligible to receive $10,000 annually until they graduate.
Through the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) and FLEX Abroad merit-based scholarship programs, U.S. high school students study abroad, learn another language, develop leadership skills, engage with other cultures, and participate in citizen diplomacy. Previous language study is not required. programs! This cycle’s program offerings include:
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) offers intensive overseas immersion programs for U.S. high school students to learn Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, or Russian for a summer or academic year. NSLI-Y increase the number of young Americans with critical language skills, intercultural competence, and leadership abilities to contribute to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. Participants attend language classes, live with host families, participate in cultural activities, and serve as U.S. citizen ambassador abroad. Applicants may choose to apply for Summer (6-8 weeks) and/or Academic Year (8-10 months) programs. Information about eligibility can be found here. Application deadline: November 12, 2025)
FLEX Abroad offers young Americans a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth, helping cultivate the next generation of leaders. Participants spend an academic year (10 months) in strategically important countries living with a host family and attending a local high school. As citizen diplomats, students develop their language, communication, and problem-solving skills and serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing U.S. culture and traditions. FLEX Abroad locations are Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Poland. (Application deadline: December 8, 2025)
Portland: Portland Holiday Lights, Check out the thousands of twinkling lights on display along historic Peacock Lane, or head over to theChristmas Festival of Lights at the Grotto for dazzling illuminations and choral performances. For shimmery displays on the water, don’t miss theChristmas Ships Parade, which brings cheer to the Willamette and Columbia rivers via parading boats decked out with colorful lights and holiday decor.
Jacksonville: Victorian Christmas, Residents and visitors to historic Jacksonville get into the festive spirit in the weeks leading up to Christmas with festive storefront displays, themed Christmas tours of the 19th-centuryBeekman House, a parade and rides aboard avintage trolley.
Silverton: Silverton Christmas Market, This Oregon spin on a traditional German Christmas market includes food and gift vendors, visits from Santa and a biergarten with live music. There’s even a light path decked out with over a million twinkling fairy lights, and a snowless tubing hill and hot cocoa for all-ages fun.
Coast-wide: Oregon Whale Watch Week, Trained volunteers are stationed at more than a dozen locations Coast-wide to help visitors spot thousands of gray whales as they make their winter migration along the Coast. Check out the best spots towatch whales, or head to theWhale Watching Center in Depoe Bay for more.
Brookings: Nature’s Coastal Holiday Festival of Lights, Celebrate the holiday cheer with the largest light festival on the Coast. Over 3 million lights transform Azalea Park into a dazzling holiday wonderland. Plan your trip for a Friday or Saturday night for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
La Grande: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Block Party, Ring in the new year in Eastern Oregon at La Grande’s annual Main Street Downtown celebration, where the community will gather under a warming tent for activities by local organizations.
Native Craft Fairs
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Date: December 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Address:10402 NE Sandy Blve, Portland OR 97220
Please join us for a three day pop up shops in 3 small store fronts on the block of the Historic Parkrose Office.
Each day there will be different artists and there are extended hours.
A gathering of Northwest artists and crafters who are dedicated to preserving Native arts and cultures hosts the Native American Craft Fair. Native artisans will share their work in a wide variety of genres, including beading, basket making, printmaking, painting and graphic arts. Artists will be creating some work at the event.
Address: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St. Vancouver, WA 98660
This highly anticipated event will feature a dynamic selection of 16 local Indigenous artists and vendors, including many who return from the November market, in addition to a number of new vendors who will be showcasing their work for the first time. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and purchase a wide range of unique, handcrafted items, including arts, crafts, jewelry, and other Indigenous-made goods—ideal for holiday gift-giving and personal collection.
In addition to the marketplace, internationally recognized Native American flutist Dr. Sherrie Davis Morningstar will return to perform live, providing a cultural and musical experience that complements the event’s focus on Indigenous artistry and traditions.
The Clark County Historical Museum will be open and free to the public throughout the event, allowing visitors to engage with exhibits that highlight Southwest Washington’s rich heritage.
The Winter Native Art Market offers a unique opportunity for the public to connect with local Indigenous artists and deepen their appreciation of Indigenous heritage and craftsmanship.
FLORENCE, Ore. — Three Rivers Casino Resort is holding its annual Food and Toy Drive from Nov. 3 to Dec. 14. The drive benefits local families in need as it strengthens partnerships between the casino, the Florence Police Department, and community organizations.
Guests can bring in a new, unwrapped toy or three nonperishable food items to Player Services. They will receive $5 in free play once a week. Donors who bring both a toy and food can receive up to $10 total each week.
“We really appreciate working with Three Rivers for the toy and food drive program that we have here in Florence,” said Florence Police Department School Resource Officer Hailey Coons. “They’re a big part of the service we’re able to offer our community during the holiday season. Community organizations nominate families who’ve been struggling or just having a rough year, and it’s such a rewarding experience to make sure every child has a happy holiday.”
“I think it’s fabulous when businesses give back to the community they serve,” said Food Drive recipient Beth Bolles. “My wife and I live on Social Security, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to decide what bills to pay. Discovering we were eligible for the food share helped us immensely. Foodshare has given me so much more than food; it’s a wonderful community of caring humans.”
Coons said Legos, sports equipment, and books are among the most popular gifted items. When it comes to food donations, coffee, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and macaroni and cheese are especially needed for families.
Over the last five years, Three Rivers Casino Resort has helped to give out more than 2,500 toys and cans of food. “We’d love for everyone to help donate so we can make every family have a fantastic holiday season,” added Coons.
Location: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR, USA (View on Google Maps)
Start Date: December 31, 2025
The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA NW) presents an annual beacon of hope and celebration with its Sobriety Powwow, a cornerstone event in Portland’s New Year’s Eve festivities. As one of the largest sober New Year’s parties in the country, the powwow draws thousands to close out the year with a powerful demonstration of culture, community, and commitment to sobriety. From the rhythmic beat of drums to the colorful swirl of dancers’ regalia, the event offers an immersive experience steeped in tradition and resilience.
Beginning with a Grand Entry dedicated to the youth, the powwow sets a tone of inclusivity and celebration. Throughout the day, attendees are treated to captivating performances by the Mexica Tiahul Dancers, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of indigenous peoples from Mexico. However, the heart of the event lies in the Grand Entry NARA NW Honoring, where the organization is recognized for its tireless efforts in promoting wellness and sobriety within the community. As the evening progresses, a poignant Sobriety Countdown serves as a powerful reminder of the journey towards sobriety, culminating in a jubilant celebration as the clock strikes midnight and attendees welcome the new year with open arms and hopeful hearts.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer in Parks (VIP) with APRC. We have varied and exciting volunteer opportunities to choose from, including working in parks and trails, the North Mountain Park Nature Center, the Senior Center, special events, seasonal options, and student projects. There is a volunteer opportunity for everyone! To register for volunteer opportunities please visit: Ashland Volunteers
Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
Salem and surrounding areas - Now open
Volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups to help change and save lives of children and youth in a safe and engaging environment that inspires and prepares them for great futures! Whether it’s helping a child with homework, coaching a youth sports team, or using your own special interests and expertise to engage young people in high-yield learning, you can find an opportunity to make a difference. To apply please visit: B&G Club
Tree Planting Event at Vestal Elementary School
Portland - December 13th
Join Depave and Urban Forestry to plant trees at Vestal Elementary School! Tools, instruction, snacks, coffee, and lunch included! To register please visit: Volunteer with Depave
Detrash Portland
Portland - December 17th, 2025
Join SOLVE for the monthly community litter cleanup to keep our city beautiful for those who call it home and for visitors here to explore its unique districts, green spaces, and local businesses. To register please visit: Detrash Portland
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Cleanup
Portland - January 19th
Join us for a meaningful day of service at Irving Park as we honor Dr. King’s legacy through a community litter cleanup. This event is a great opportunity to give back and help beautify our neighborhood while coming together in the spirit of unity and service. Volunteers will first check-in, grab supplies, and receive a brief safety speech to ensure everyone is prepared. Join us to connect with your community and keep our shared spaces clean! To register please visit: MLK Day Clean up
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)
NAYA has a new look! Please visit NAYA Job openings to view all open positions.
Native Connections
Indigenous Events of Portland, OR give updated events and activities that are happening in Portland through December 2025!
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.
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
