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Increased Services to Tribes: A Commitment to Sovereignty and Support
Over this last year, there has been a significant push to enhance services provided to Tribal communities. This initiative is rooted in a deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and a commitment to supporting the unique needs of these communities. By increasing access to educational support and services we can positively affect Native student success.
Developing a Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum
Education plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and respect for Tribal sovereignty. Our new curriculum development project focuses on integrating Tribal history, governance, and contemporary issues into educational programs. This curriculum is designed to educate both Tribal and non-Tribal students about the importance of sovereignty, self-determination, and the rich cultural contributions of Tribal nations. We have been successful in developing a Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) unit that will be forthcoming with our concerted efforts around website improvement for the JMLSTI website.
Supporting Tribal Legislation
Legislative support is essential for advancing the rights and interests of Tribal communities. We are actively working with Tribal leaders and lawmakers to draft and advocate for legislation that addresses key issues such as increased funding for our Native students in public schools.
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ONE Welcomes New Tribal Language Program Supervisor
Destiney Skwekwiw Petty
Destiney Skwekwiw Petty (Skoo-Kwee-You) proudly descends from the Snayckstx band of the Colville Tribes and raises her children on the Colville Indian Reservation. Her deep-rooted love for her language and culture inspires her daily, as she recognizes the sacred connection between identity and heritage.
As a passionate advocate for Native Education, Destiney believes that tribal language is the essence of Indigeneity. She is committed to ensuring that every Native student in Washington State has access to the tools and resources necessary to learn their ancestral language, fostering a sense of self and pride within their communities.
Visit our website for more information about the Tribal Language program.
Photo: Destiney Petty with her family, 2024
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JMLSTI Advisory Council Collaboration
The John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State (JMLSTI) curriculum, which is endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes, and its website are currently undergoing a redesign through the collaboration between ONE and the newly-formed JMLSTI Advisory Council.
The Council, made up of six original curriculum developers, with the help of ONE, is working to clean up broken links and make the Elementary, Middle School, and High School social studies curriculum a highlight to the many additional resources and videos available. The website layout is being reorganized, and content is being expanded to include tribal place-based curriculum.
We believe these changes will significantly improve user experience and make it easier for educators to engage with our educational resources.
Photo: JMLSTI curriculum advisor, Elese Washines, describes a hand embroidered map of tribal lands to inform ONE staff, December 4, 2024
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What Does Student Success Mean to You?
The Office of Native Education is seeking input on what Native Student Success means to you and how you are partnering with tribes. We invite you to share your perspectives through a brief survey designed to help shape the priorities of our work. Your responses will directly inform the Native Student Success Program. Please take a moment to contribute your thoughts. Thank you!
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ONE Visits Chief Kitsap Academy & Wa He Lut Indian School
This December, the Office of Native Education had the privilege of visiting two remarkable tribal schools: Chief Kitsap Academy on December 3rd and Wa He Lut Indian School on December 5th. These visits were part of our ongoing efforts to build stronger relationships and better support our tribal schools.
During our time at Chief Kitsap Academy, we were warmly welcomed by students and staff. We had the opportunity to visit classrooms and engage with students who shared their unique perspectives and experiences. The dedication of the staff to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment was truly inspiring.
Our visit to Wa He Lut Indian School was equally enriching. We met with school and central office leaders, toured the school, interacted with students, and discussed with staff how we can collaborate more effectively to meet the needs of their community. The insights gained from these conversations are invaluable as we strive to enhance our support for tribal education.
Through student interviews, we learned that students at our tribal schools continue to emphasize the importance of incorporating their languages and cultures into their schooling. This feedback highlights the critical role that cultural education plays in their academic and personal development.
These visits underscored the importance of listening and learning from our tribal schools. We are committed to continuing this dialogue and working together to ensure that all students receive the education and support they deserve.
Thank you to Chief Kitsap Academy and Wa He Lut Indian School for their hospitality and for sharing their stories with us. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and collaborate in the future.
Warm regards,
The Office of Native Education, WA
Photo: Office of Native Education stand with Wa He Lut Indian School staff, December 5, 2024 Photo (inset): Office of Native Education visit with staff at Chief Kitsap Academy, December 3, 2024
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Legislative Session Begins January 13, 2025
Each year, legislators gather to talk about issues affecting Washington and vote on bills that may become new state laws. To help you navigate and participate in this long session, consult this Guide to Legislative Session. Understand policy-making processes on how to search for, read, and track a bill; how to write a testimony or testify in person or remotely, plus other helpful facts and tips to educate the public.
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Government-to-Government Relationships Training
January 24 | Location TBD
Look for more information to be posted to the Tribal Consultation website soon.
This training fulfills the Government-to-Government Relationships with federally recognized Tribes new certificate renewal requirements for all teachers, administrators, including all principals, assistant principals, program administrators, Career and Technical Education (CTE) directors, and superintendents. New requirements are a result of HB 1426 and WAC 181-79A-244.
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Save the Date for WA State Summer Indian Education Teaching Institute!
June 24-26, 2025
A forum to share and learn Best Cultural-Responsive Practices and Policies alongside Tribes, Indigenous Scholars, and Schools highlighting positive outcomes for all Washington Students, Teachers, School Leaders, and citizens. Visit Wenatchee Valley College's website soon for more information.
WHO: WA Pre-12 Teachers, School Administrators, Board of Directors, and Post-Secondary Higher Education Professionals.
WHERE: Omak WA-Wenatchee Valley College Omak, Omak School District, and Paschal Sherman Indian School
HOW: Registration begins March 1, 2025
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ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.
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