WSNAEAC Welcomes New Member, Elects Officers
On July 15, 2025, the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) convened virtually to continue advancing leadership and promoting the unique principles and effective practices of Native American education. Their work supports academic success and cultural integrity across communities, schools, tribes, and the state.
During the meeting, the committee warmly welcomed their newest member, Dawn Hardison-Stevens (Omushkeg Cree-Métis / Anishinabek Ojibway / Cowlitz / Steilacoom), from the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma School of Education. Dawn was nominated by Rachel Endo of UW to represent the Higher Education category.
Please join us in congratulating Dawn on her appointment!
Election of Officers
Every two years, the WSNAEAC elects new officers during the first meeting of the fiscal year, which begins on July 1 (see WSNAEAC Bylaws, Section VI). At the July 15, 2025 meeting, advisory members in attendance selected the following individuals to serve in leadership roles.
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Chair: Jennifer LeBret (Spokane Tribe) Tribal Representative East
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Vice-Chair: Elese Washines (Confederated Tribes/Band of the Yakama Nation) Tribal Representative East
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2nd Vice-Chair: Cindy Kelly (Delaware Nation) Statewide Education Organization ex officio
56th Annual NIEA Convention & Trade Show
The ONE team is proud to represent Washington State at the NIEA 2025 Convention and Trade Show this October. This year’s event, hosted in our home state, will highlight the impactful work of the Office of Native Education (ONE) and the broader agency’s commitment to Native education.
Our participation underscores the state’s dedication to fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in RCW 28A.300.105, which defines the duties of the Office of Native Education. Through this work, our agency continues to set a national standard for how states can support Native students, families, and communities.
Washington’s approach—grounded in state-tribal partnerships and government-to-government collaboration—has positioned the Office of Native Education as a national leader. Other states are increasingly looking to our model for guidance, innovation, and inspiration.
This recognition is not just about one office—it reflects the collective effort and vision of an agency that prioritizes equity, cultural responsiveness, and meaningful engagement with tribal nations.
When: October 8-11, 2025
Where: Spokane Convention Center
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As we close out the fiscal year, we’re proud to share key updates on our continued progress toward advancing Tribal sovereignty in Washington State. This year has been marked by meaningful collaboration, strengthened partnerships, and impactful programs that center Tribal voices in education policy and practice. The following articles highlight major initiatives, milestones, and commitments made across our programs. Each section includes links to full reports, offering deeper insight into the work being done to honor and uphold Tribal sovereignty across the state.
Grant Distribution and Key Achievements
Funding from the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JMLSTI) grant program (FP 57) supported Tribal curriculum development and educator professional learning across nine recipients. Tribal Language grants (FP 748) enabled instruction in 16 distinct languages, reaching 25 Tribal education programs. Additionally, the Tribal School Opioid Prevention Pilot (FP 56) provided support to five STEC schools: Chief Leschi School, Chief Kitsap Academy, Muckleshoot Tribal School, Pascal Sherman Indian School, and Quileute Tribal School.
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Tribal Education Leadership Summit
The April 2025 Tribal Education Leadership Summit (TELS), held at Washington State University, brought together Tribal leaders and education partners to discuss Native education priorities. Key topics included data sovereignty, language revitalization, and policy impacts. OSPI committed to continued collaboration and announced the next TELS will be hosted at the University of Washington in 2026. Read the report generated for the WSNAEAC July 15 meeting for more details.
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Fentanyl/Opioid Prevention Pilot Project
OSPI partnered with the Department of Health and Health Care Authority to develop age-appropriate substance use prevention materials. A pilot led by ONE in five STEC schools showed that culturally grounded strategies—rooted in Indigenous identity and ancestral knowledge—are most effective for Native youth.
The findings highlight the need to center prevention efforts on Tribal sovereignty and cultural strengths. Policy recommendations include expanding Healing of the Canoe and other Tribal curricula, recognizing culturally grounded education as core prevention infrastructure, and supporting Tribal-led evaluation and knowledge sharing. Read the full report to the WSNAEAC for more details.
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Native Student Success Program
Native Student Success Survey
The Native Student Success Survey highlights findings that are informing statewide efforts. With input from over 100 participants, the survey emphasized culturally sustaining practices, strong relationships, community-defined success, and holistic support for Native students. These insights continue to shape and strengthen the direction of the Native Student Success Program.
Native Literacy Framework
After two years of collaboration with Native literacy leaders, the Native Literacy Framework, which includes the Principles and Indicators document, has been developed to honor literacy as a holistic concept rooted in Indigenous storytelling, oral tradition, land-based learning, and identity. The framework emphasizes that language, land, and literacy are interconnected and must be taught in relationship. As part of SB 5950 deliverables, the initiative also launched statewide professional learning networks and distributed culturally affirming literacy supports to all 295 school districts and STEC schools.
Read the report to the WSNAEAC for details and to learn about other projects.
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Tribal Language Program
The Tribal Language Program focuses on supporting Tribes and Tribal language educators, expanding First Peoples Language Culture and Oral Traditions (FPLCOT) course codes, sharing best practices, and fostering professional learning communities—demonstrating strong statewide commitment to sustaining 16 Tribal languages and growing interest across recipient communities. For more information, read the WSNAEAC report.
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Tribal Consultation Program
The Tribal Consultation Program ensures meaningful opportunities for Tribal governments to provide input on education policies impacting American Indian/Alaska Native student success, implementing Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and state legislation requirements. In the 2024–25 school year, 1,176 education leaders were certified in government-to-government relations and Tribal consultation, marking a significant step in building statewide capacity for culturally responsive leadership. Read the report to the WSNAEAC for more details.
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John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial
The John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JMLSTI) program continues to advance the integration of Tribal history, culture, and government into K–12 education, as required by Washington state law. In 2024–25, the JMLSTI training series fostered meaningful collaboration between Tribal nations and school districts, emphasizing Tribal sovereignty, cultural understanding, and strong educational partnerships to create more inclusive learning environments statewide. More details can be found in this report.
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Neah Bay Secondary School Principal Opening
Neah Bay Secondary School is looking for a dynamic educational leader with a focus on student achievement and instructional excellence to support the great work at Neah Bay Secondary School. Check out the job posting for more information and to apply. The position is open until filled.
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