Highlights from Tribal visits, school districts, conferences, community partnerships, and staff engagement across Washington.
Dr. Anton Treuer and Native Language & Literacy Convening attendees at Central Washington Univ. April 2026
From Pedagogy to Practice: Living Native Language & Literacy
This spring, the Office of Native Education's Tribal Language and Native Student Success programs, in partnership with Central Washington University (CWU), hosted the 3rd Annual Tribal Language and Native Literacy Convening. Over three days, educators, tribal leaders, language keepers, students, and community partners came together to explore tribal language revitalization, Native literacy development, and culturally sustaining educational practices.
A highlight of the event was a keynote address by Dr. Anton Treuer, whose reflections on language, identity, and Indigenous self-determination inspired participants and reinforced the importance of centering Native voices in education. Read more about this inspiring convening and its impact on Native language and literacy education.
Nakia Academy Indigenous Educator Cohort 2: Building Community, Growing Together
The Office of Native Education (ONE), in partnership with BEST, the Washington Education Association (WEA), and Muckleshoot Tribal College, is excited to continue the Nakia Academy Indigenous Educator Cohort for the 2026–27 school year.
Nakia Academy is a community by and for BIPOC educators, offering affinity-based professional learning designed to support educators through mentorship, reflection, relationship, and community. The Indigenous Educator Cohort creates dedicated space for Indigenous Educators to learn alongside one another while honoring the knowledge, identities, experiences, and communities they bring to their work.
Applications for Cohort 2 are open now. | Read the full handout for more details.
Indigenous Educators, you belong here.
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Strengthening Partnerships to Support Native Students
The Office of Native Education and the Washington State School Directors’ Association recently brought together school board directors and tribal leaders at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort for a regional convening focused on strengthening government-to-government relationships and supporting Native student success.
Participants discussed topics including tribal consultation, Native student identification, tribal sovereignty curriculum, data sharing, and strategies to improve educational outcomes while reinforcing partnerships between school districts and tribal nations across Washington. Watch the video of the 2026 WSSDA Tribal Convening.
Visit WSSDA for more information on Convenings of School Directors and Leaders.
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A featured story showcasing promising practices, educator innovation, Tribal partnerships, or student success.
Native Leadership in Action: Students and Advocates Strengthening Their Communities
Native student success is more than a single achievement, grade, or milestone. It can be seen in the relationships students build, the ways they advocate for their communities, the spaces they create for others, and the adults who walk alongside them.
This edition of the Native Student Success Spotlight recognizes Native students and advocates whose leadership demonstrates what is possible when young people are supported, valued, and empowered to contribute to their schools and communities.
Febe Richmond | Graham-Kapowsin High School
Nominated by Rachael Barger, Bethel School District Title VI and Native American Youth Leadership Academy
Tamika Krise, Isabelle LaClair, and Kiana Wily | Squaxin Island Tribe Student Advocates
Nominated by Keesha Vigil, Teen Program Manager, Squaxin Island Tribe
For Native students, having a trusted adult within a school can make a meaningful difference.
Tamika Krise, Isabelle LaClair, and Kiana Wily serve as Student Advocates working with Native students and families in the Shelton School District. Their work helps strengthen connections among students, families, schools, and the Squaxin Island Tribal community.
Find out how their support extends beyond academics.
DC Atkins | Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Youth Council
Nominated by Ashley Three Irons-Atkins, Grand Coulee Dam School District
DC Atkins, a citizen of the Crow Tribe and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, is already demonstrating what youth leadership and civic engagement can look like.
DC serves as President of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Youth Council and was re-elected by his peers to continue serving during the 2026–27 school year.
Learn about DC's accomplishments and leadership.
Success Rooted in Relationship
Although these stories come from different communities and roles, they share something important.
Febe is creating opportunities for learning and awareness. Tamika, Isabelle, and Kiana are strengthening relationships and belonging for Native students and families. DC is exercising leadership and creating opportunities for Native youth voice.
Together, their stories remind us that Native student success is not defined by academics alone. It includes identity, belonging, relationships, leadership, self-determination, culture, community, and the opportunity to contribute.
We are grateful to Rachael Barger, Keesha Vigil, and Ashley Three Irons-Atkins for taking the time to recognize these individuals and share their stories.
Native Student Success Spotlight celebrates Native students, educators, advocates, families, and community members whose work helps Native students thrive throughout Washington.
Want to Nominate Someone for the Native Student Success Spotlight?
Do you know a student, educator, program, or community member doing something amazing to support Native Student Success?
I would love to feature them in an upcoming newsletter!
To submit a spotlight, simply email Bawaajigekwe Boulley with the following:
- Your name
- School, district, or organization
- Who you are nominating (name + role)
- A few sentences about what they are doing and why it matters
Photos, links, or student-created work are always welcome!
Native Student Success Office Hours: Let’s Connect
Dear Readers,
I hold virtual office hours every Friday at 10:00 am. If you are a student, family member, educator, or community partner and want to connect, share feedback, or process together, I invite you to email me for the virtual link.
We are doing this work together, and I would love to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Bawaajigekwe Boulley
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Upcoming trainings, conferences, webinars, registration links, and learning resources.
Nakia Academy Indigenous Educator Launch
September 26 | 9am–12pm
Muckleshoot Tribal College
Nakia Academy, a Washington Education Association statewide professional learning initiative, develops Indigenous educator leadership through relationship-building, mentorship, and collaborative learning.
Session 1 launches the cohort, establishes a shared vision for the year, and fosters a statewide network of educators committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for Native students.
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Upcoming events, grant deadlines, observances, and opportunities to engage with the Office of Native Education.
Nakia Academy Indigenous Educator Cohort 2: Applications Are Open!
Building on a powerful inaugural year, Cohort 2 of the Nakia Academy Indigenous Educator Cohort will bring Indigenous Educators together to strengthen relationships, reflect on practice, and grow within a community grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
We are also excited to welcome Dr. Sonia Barry and Mrs. Yolanda Gallegos as this year’s facilitators.
Applications are open now through September 10 at 11:59 pm.
Indigenous Educators, you belong here.
Read more about Cohort 2, meet our facilitators, and learn how to apply.
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Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Future: Native Youth Summit 2026
Native Action Network (NAN) is partnering with Urban Native Education Alliance (UNEA) to host the Youth Political Engagement Summit at the North Seattle College. They will have a full day of programming with breakfast and lunch provided. This event is targeted for Native youth ages 16-24. Youth under 18 will need a chaperone. Youth Participants who complete the full day are eligible for a $100 stipend.
Sunday, September 20th, from 9 am–4:30 pm
Youth in attendance will learn how to be advocates for their community's concerns through political engagement at tribal, city, state, and federal levels. Workshops will share about the history of Federal Indian law, how bills become laws, voting and voter safety, running for office, and more! Scan the QR code on the flyer or click this link to be directed to the registration form.
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Next WSNAEAC Meeting (virtual)
The Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) advises OSPI on issues affecting the well-being, academic success, and cultural integrity of American Indian and Alaska Native students across Washington. Comprised of tribal and tribal organization representatives, the committee's meetings are open to the public.
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Native American Days
The Washington State Fair, often known as the “Puyallup Fair,” returns this September with Native American Days: a celebration of Indigenous heritage featuring traditional songs, dances, and cultural performances at the Showplace Stage.
The Office of Native Education (ONE) will be onsite with a booth sharing information about programs and services that support Native students across Washington. Stop by to learn more, connect with our team, and spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes!
September 23–24 | Puyallup Fairgrounds
Image by Pixabay
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September 30 is Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day is observed annually on September 30. It honors the Indigenous children who were sent to residential and boarding schools, remembers those who never returned, and recognizes the lasting intergenerational impacts of these systems. The phrase "Every Child Matters" is central to the movement. Learn more and show your support.
Image by Pixabay
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Submit Your Artwork for Indigenous Voices Coloring Book!
In collaboration with Indigenous Chic and Washington State Indigenous Education Association, ArtsEd Washington is excited to announce our 2026 coloring book titled "Color for the Arts: Indigenous Voices of Washington"!
This book aims to create a chorus of voices celebrating the diversity of Indigenous creativity across geography and generations, while amplifying its representation in Washington schools! Emerging artists and experienced artists are encouraged to contribute original artwork that reflects Indigenous values, teachings, nature, traditions, and contemporary Native life.
Submit your coloring book artwork here!
Image by Pixabay
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