Shandy Abrahamson Promoted to ONE Director
Our office is honored to share that Shandy Abrahamson has been elevated to Director of the Office of Native Education (ONE) effective June 1, 2025.
Shandy’s tenure with ONE has given her a strong understanding of our work and she has demonstrated leadership in a number of capacities both within the agency as well as with external partners.
Director Abrahamson will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of ONE, specific responsibility to lead the support for JMLSTI and work in collaboration with ONE/CISL* Assistant Superintendent Henry Strom. This appointment occurs as we navigate a period of legislative budget challenges and agency-wide impacts, including adjustments to staffing.
We appreciate Shandy's leadership as we work together to plan for the coming year in this evolving landscape.
*The Center for the Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) is an acquired department under the recently created ONE/CISL division, as announced in the March 17, 2025 ONE newsletter.
Director Abrahamson Shares from the Heart
It is with deep humility and profound honor that I accept the promotion within the Washington State Office of Native Education. To be entrusted as a caretaker of Native Education in our state is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility, one that I approach with the utmost respect for those who have walked this path before me and paved the way for this work to continue.
Throughout my journey from my early work with the Colville Tribal Head Start Program, Youth Development Program, and Director of Tribal Relations at Wenatchee Valley College to my current role, I have been guided by an unwavering commitment to tribal sovereignty. This principle will continue to guide me as I navigate the complexities and opportunities that lie ahead. I believe that meaningful progress in Native education can only be achieved when we center on the inherent rights of tribal nations to self-determination and honor their wisdom in guiding educational pathways for their communities.
The relationships I have built with tribal leaders, elders, students, and community members across Washington have taught me that this work is not just about programs or policies, it is about our people, our culture, and the generations to come. It is about ensuring that Native students see themselves reflected in and valued by their educational experiences, and that tribal communities have the resources and support they need to nurture their young people in alignment with their cultural values and aspirations.
Lim lmtx',
Shandy Abrahamson
Director, Office of Native Education
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
shandy.abrahamson@k12.wa.us
Photo: Shandy Abrahamson celebrates her family.
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Administrators Government-to-Government Relationships Training
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.
June 21 | 9:00am-3:30pm | WASA/AWSP Summer Conference | Spokane
In-Person Only Training Pre-Conference $100 | Registration (link to conference website)
June 26 | 9:00am-3:30pm | 7 Cedars Resort & Casino Conference Facility | Sequim (Tentative)
Registration forthcoming
June 30 | 9:00am-3:30pm | Bethel School District Board Room 516 | 176th Street East, Spanaway
In-Person Training: Register through pdEnroller #186241
Virtual (Zoom) Training: Register through pdEnroller #186238
Contact:
Maxine Alex, Tribal Consultation Program Specialist
Email: maxine.alex@k12.wa.us
VM/Cell: 564.200.2619
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Native Student Success—From Listening to Framework Building
This year, we gathered insights from Native students, educators, families, and community partners across Washington. Through surveys, interviews, and listening sessions, we learned:
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Holistic Success: Thriving academically, emotionally, culturally, spiritually, and socially.
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Existing Practices: Tribal partnerships, cultural programming, mentorship, and land-based learning are effective models.
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Ongoing Barriers: Trust issues with school systems, limited Native staff or curriculum, and challenges with data visibility and belonging.
Read more about how these insights will guide our future efforts to support Native Student Success in Washington.
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Tribal Language Program Update
Limlmtx to all who joined and contributed to our recent Literacy and Language Convening held at the Spokane Tribe Resort and Casino in early May. Your presence and participation made this gathering truly meaningful.
We were particularly honored to have members of our First People's Language Culture and Oral Traditions (FPLCOT) committee join us to share the history, intent, and spirit of the FPLCOT certification. This distinguished panel of esteemed leaders uplifted the voices of the elders who guided this vital effort, ensuring their wisdom continues to illuminate our path forward.
During the convening, we had the privilege of viewing the recording of the First Peoples Language and Culture Committee's testimony before the Washington State Board of Education regarding the FPLC WAC on tribal language certification. Many of our panelists can be seen in this powerful testimony, which you can view on YouTube. This experience was deeply grounding, reminding us that we are not only stewards of our languages, but also guardians of the advocacy and Indigenous pedagogy that our elders and ancestors held sacred and nurtured for our children and communities. Their dedication continues to inspire and guide our work as we carry these precious gifts forward.
We look forward to continuing this important work together, building on the foundation of wisdom and commitment that was so beautifully shared during our time together.
For more information on the FPLCOT certification process, please visit our website: First Peoples' Language, Culture and Oral Traditions Certification
PIctured: Members of the FPLCOT Committee
Left to Right: Karen Condon, Maria Pasqua, Marsha Wynecoop, Martina Whelshula, Adrina Wynecoop, Jewie Davis, Larry Davis
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 Sun Bucks Program Returns to Provide Summer Food Support for Washington Children
Nearly 600,000 children got $120 in nutrition benefits last summer.
This summer, up to 620,000 Washington children will receive SUN Bucks – funds to help buy food when school is not in session – through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program. See OSPI's press release or Visit Washington State Department of Social and Health Services for more information.
Washington Farm to School Network Presents:
School Agriculture and Garden Education Community of Practice
The WA Farm to School Network is hosting an educational webinar featuring Tahoma Peak Solution's Native Plant & Food Institute.
Join Mariana Harvey and Kim Gaffi for an overview of the Native Plants and Foods Curriculum Portal and explore ways to meaningfully and respectfully integrate traditional plant knowledge into your own program. We'll take a deeper look at the food, medicine, and social-emotional teachings of 'weeds', learning about our garden friends cleavers, dandelion, and plantain.
Register and join us for the next webinar on Thursday, August 14th 3:30-5:00 pm.
Missed the last two workshops? Check out our YouTube channel to see the recordings.
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Empowering Native American Educators
Participate in NIEA's National Landscape Analysis Survey
The National Indian Education Association (NIEA) is currently conducting a National Native American Educator Landscape Analysis, which aims to provide to a comprehensive count of Native American, American Indian, and Alaskan Native educators in the public education system, along with their roles.
This analysis will help us gain a deeper understanding of the needs of Native American professionals and the climate of their teaching environments, allowing us to better serve them. The information gathered through this anonymous survey will be used in our analysis and final report. Please take a moment to fill out this survey and help us gather essential information to improve Native American education.
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5th Grade Teachers, Apply to Attend a Fall Weekend Workshop
CREST is looking for fifth grade teachers in the Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit area interested in participating in an amazing learning opportunity this summer. See the flier and informational page for more details.
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