Native American Education
SPS Native American Education
We work with students, parents and guardians, teachers, principals, and SPS departments on a case-by-case basis to address the broad scope of needs our Native students face.
We want every family to understand how to navigate the district’s resources and support all schools in understanding the unique experience Native students face interacting with our system. Our goal is to ensure all Native students have a high-quality educational experience and reach the goal of graduation.
- Huchoosedah Moving Up Ceremony
- Native Education Updates
- SPS Strategic Planning
- The Right to Wear Tribal Regalia Act
- Native Summer Camp Programs
- Tribal History and Culture Extended Core Instructional Materials
- Making Natives Visible
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Week of Action
- Native American Poets and Pop Culture
- Native American Observances
- The Boldt Decision
- Social-Emotional Learning Through Plant Teachings
Huchoosedah Moving Up Ceremony
Wednesday, June 4th 5:30pm-8pm at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School
On Wednesday, June 4th, we will be holding our annual Moving Up Ceremony for our Native students and their families at Robert Eagle Staff Middle School.
All students currently enrolled in our Title VI program will be invited to come on stage to receive a certificate and paddle necklace in recognition of their achievements. Graduating seniors will also receive a special gift (seniors must be present to receive their gift).
Doors open at 5:30pm with dinner being served at 5:45pm. There will be ample parking in the school parking lot, and there are Metro bus and light rail options nearby. Come and join us to celebrate! Please fill out the RSVP form below before May 21st, so we know you are coming. For any questions, contact Kym Hogan at 206-252-0858 or kmhogan@seattleschools.org
Native Education Updates
Join Us for April’s Culture Night!
Thursday, April 24th from 5-7pm at Meany Middle School. We will be serving dinner and dessert, but please feel free to bring a dish to share.
The craft activity will be led by Karen Flores (Huichol Hopi). We will finally be constructing and designing gourd rattles! Unfortunately, we were unable to make rattles at March’s Culture Night due to supply issues and made felt medicine bags instead.
“My Alaskan Summer” Presentation at Bailey Gatzert & Rainier View Elementary
This week, our amazing Consulting Teacher, Victoria Hildebrand, gave a presentation to the 2nd grade students at Bailey Gatzert and Rainier View Elementary.
The presentation titled, “My Alaskan Summer”, shared Ms. Hildebrand’s experiences as an Alaskan Native and how she and her community in Nulato, Alaska spend their summer. “My Alaskan Summer” is part of the “People of the Arctic” series that supports the 2nd grade curriculum unit on the Arctic.
The students LOVED the presentation by Ms. H and drew pictures and added a short description about what they liked most. Thank you Ms. H for your dedication to our students and sharing your cultural knowledge with the next generation!
The American Indian Resource Library Celebrates Earth Day & National Poetry Month
Did you know that your student can request to check out books from our American Indian Resource Library? Explore interesting titles in celebration of Earth Day and National Poetry Month through Destiny Discover and ask your student’s teacher to put in the request. The books will be sent directly to your student’s classroom.
Or come to our monthly Family Culture Night at Meany Middle School and our librarian, Katie Fries, will be happy to help you check out books that can be taken home that night!
Billy Frank Jr. Day Celebrated at the District Office
In celebration of the life and work of Billy Frank Jr, Shana Brown, Native Education Curriculum Specialist, in collaboration with the SPS Wellness Department, offered the district staff a “Lunch and Learn” presentation on March 11th. Shana’s presentation explored Billy Frank Jr’s fight for Native fishing rights in Washington State leading to the Boldt Decision. The Billy Frank Jr statue project was also discussed. The event was well attended, and the Indian tacos from Off the Rez Cafe, were delicious!
The maquette of the official statue that will be displayed in Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. will be displayed at Shoreline Community College on April 12th, 2025.
Thank you, Shana, and the SPS Wellness Department for your steadfast support of the Native American Education Department at Seattle Public Schools!
Nathan Hale Native Club Welcomes Japanese Sister School
On February 28th, Nathan Hale High School celebrated their 50th Anniversary Celebration and welcomed students from their sister school in Naha, Okinawa, Japan with an assembly attended by Mayor Brue Harrell, SPS Superintendent, Dr. Brent Jones, and the Japanese Consul General Makoto Iyori.
The Nathan Hale Native Club provided a moving welcome song with traditional Native drumming lead by Mr. Harter. We are so proud of our students in the Native Club that worked so hard preparing for this event.
The Nathan Hale Native Club meets on Wednesday’s during lunch in room 2104. For more information, contact Levi Harter lpharter@seattleschools.org
Family Culture Night- Thursday, March 13th 5-7pm
Join us for Family Culture Night at Meany Middle School! Dinner will be provided, but please feel free to bring a dish to share.
This month’s Native craft activity will be to construct and design a gourd rattle with Karen Flores. If you have any questions, please email Kym Hogan kmhogan@seattleschools.org
Hope to see you there!
Billy Frank Jr. Day- March 7th, 2025
Billy Frank Jr., a Northwest Native American (Nisqually) activist, played a key role in the “Fish Wars” of the 1960’s and 1970’s, resulting in a landmark decision affirming tribal fishing rights. SPS celebrates Billy Frank Jr. Day on March 7th, but the official Billy Frank Jr. Day is on his birthday, March 9.
Learn more about this influential leader in our Billy Frank Jr. collection of resources: Billy Frank Jr. Online Collection
To learn more about the Billy Frank Jr statue that will be installed in Statuary Hall at the US Capitol building in Washington D.C.: Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project
March is Women’s History Month
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the American Indian Resource Library at SPS is showcasing literature that support the many accomplishments and impacts that Native American women have had on our society. Check out their website to explore the resources available for teachers and students.
American Indian Resource Library
NEW Online 506 Form- Title VI Enrollment
The SPS Native Education Department is pleased to have fulfilled one of our biggest goals for 2025- digitizing our 506 Indian Student Eligibility Certification form for enrollment in Title VI services.
Previously, the 506 form was a paper document that could only be filled out pen to paper and submitted in person to your child’s school. With the creation of our new online form, we have streamlined this documentation so you can easily and confidentially submit your completed 506 form securely to the Native Education Department from a laptop, iPad, or cellular phone.
If you currently have a paper form on file with us, you do not need to fill out the new digital form. For questions on whether you have a current 506 form on file with the Native Education Department, please email: spsnativeed506@seattleschools.org
For more information on Title VI, see our 506 Title VI page.
Family Culture Night- February 11th 5-7pm Meany Middle School
Join us for our next Family Culture Night at Meany Middle School on Tuesday, February 11th from 5-7pm. Our new Culture Night teacher, Karen Flores, (Huichol Hopi), will be leading the cultural programming activity for both kids and parents. Dinner and dessert will be provided, but please feel free to bring a dish to share. Hope to see you there!
February SPS Calendar
- Month of February- Black History Month
- Mid-Winter Break- February 17th-21st *Including Presidents’ Day
Native American Education Represented at SPS Enrollment Fair
On February 1st, Seattle Public Schools held their Enrollment Fair for new families who are exploring the Seattle School District. The Native American Education Department was excited to be on hand to share information to prospective students and families about the important role of Native Education in the SPS community.
Winter Coat Give Away
If you haven’t received winter coats yet and would still like to participate in our give away, please email Kym Hogan kmhogan@seattleschools.org.
Please make sure to include:
- Whether you prefer a male or female style or no preference
- Your child’s/children’s names
- The sizes you require (specify adult and/or children’s sizes)
January SPS Calendar
- Monday, Jan. 6: First day back to school
- Monday, Jan. 20: NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Tuesday, Jan. 28:
- Family Culture Night – Meany Middle School 5-7 p.m.
- Last day of Semester 1
- Wednesday, Jan. 29: First day of Semester 2
Many Thanks to our Supporters and Families that made our Family Culture Night Holiday Celebration a Success!
- Trina Nonis for her support with planning and for providing the coffee
- Chandra Hampson & family for generously donating raffle items, creating beautiful centerpieces, providing the coloring station, and helping with setup
- Tess Gamez for donating the traditional tea
- Nic Berry for playing Santa
- Chef Liv for providing the amazing food
- Kathleen Magellan from Seattle Public Library for handing out free books, tote bags, and other library goodies
- Toys for Tots and the Seattle Community at large for their generosity in donating toys for our event
Family Culture Night Holiday Celebration
Please join us Tuesday, December 17 from 5-7 p.m. for our annual Family Culture Night Holiday Party at Meany Middle School, where we will come together in community to celebrate the holiday season!
- Delicious food by Chef Olivia from Liiv For Flavor
- Free books and goodies for the kids from The Seattle Public Library
- A gift give away sponsored by Toys for Tots
- Craft making activities
- Holiday selfie booth with Santa
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating in the holiday season!
Is your student or family in need of support?
We have an amazing student and family support team available to help!
Victoria Hildebrand, Consulting Teacher
vlhildebrand@seattleschools.org
Kurstyn Allen, Social Worker
kjallen@seattleschools.org
Helpful Online Resources:
- Emerald City Resource Guide online
Comprehensive list of local resources. Service providers range from clothing, food, and financial assistance to employment services. - Teen Link
Teen Link is a program for Washington teens in crisis. Their online site offers information on the services they provide and a teen help line. - Youth Care
Local organization with a mission to end youth homelessness offering food, medical, housing, & mental health services for youths ages 12-24.
December SPS Calendar
- Tuesday, Dec. 17 – Family Culture Night Holiday Party 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 20 – 1-hour early dismissal
- Monday, Dec. 23 – Friday Jan. 3rd: NO SCHOOL Christmas Break
Turkey, Coat, and Hygiene Kit Deliveries Completed!
The Native Education district office staff were busy before the Thanksgiving holiday purchasing, packing up, and delivering turkeys, winter coats, and hygiene kits to our Native families in the community.
If you were put on the waiting list for a coat, we will be contacting you as soon as we are able to get more.
Native American Heritage Month Celebrated at JSCEE
On Friday, November 22, our Native Education team lead an informative lunchtime celebration in honor of Native American Heritage month. Shana Brown, our talented and dedicated Curriculum Specialist, created learning opportunities for the district office staff centered around indigenous land-based values. Culinary Services also provided delicious Indian tacos!
Some of the activities included a sorting game to identify quotes that reflect Settler/Colonial Land Based Values versus Indigenous Land Based Values. Another activity, facilitated by our wonderful Native American Education Resource librarian, Katie, highlighted how educators can identify whether popular literature poses a stereotype threat through the use of biased language and Indian stereotypes.
Thank you Shana for your hard work and passion in creating this fun and engaging celebration and everyone who contributed to making it a success!!
November is Native American Heritage Month!
Native American Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans. This month fosters awareness of Native American issues, promotes respect for diverse Native cultures, and encourages inclusivity and understanding within our communities.
For Native students, this is a great time to celebrate and reconnect with your tribal community by attending cultural events and activities and sharing your traditions with your classmates.
Native American Heritage Month Resources
Is Your Student Enrolled in Seattle Public Schools’ Title VI Native Education Program?
Title VI is a federal program that ensures schools provide a quality education for Native students as required by Tribal treaties. Funding for our program helps all Native students receive academic support and cultural programming.
Title VI FAQs
- WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All students who have tribal membership in a federally recognized tribe or a parent or grandparent with tribal membership. - HOW CAN A STUDENT ENROLL IN TITLE VI?
Enrollment into the program is completed by filling out an ED 506 form which documents tribal status. Even if you do not anticipate taking advantage of Title VI services, filling out a form will increase the grant funds available to all Native students& families who are in need of support - HOW LONG DOES ENROLLMENT LAST?
For as long as a student remains in the SPS school district, they will be enrolled in our program &Title VI without needing to fill out a newform each year. If you are unsure if your student has a 506 form on file, contact our team! - NEED HELP ENROLLING? WANT TO KNOW IF YOUR STUDENT ALREADY HAS A 506 FORM ON FILE?
Contact our team! spsnativeed506@seattleschools.org
November SPS Calendar
- Wednesday, Nov. 6 – End of Quarter 1
- Monday, Nov. 11 – NO SCHOOL Veterans Day
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Nov. 25-27 – Parent-Teacher Conferences Elementary & K-8
- Thursday, Nov. 28 – NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving
- Friday, Nov. 29 – NO SCHOOL Native American Heritage Day
Our Netse Mot: One People Gathering Field Trip was a SUCESS!
A BIG thank you to Children of the Setting Sun Productions for performing a special matinee for our SPS students on October 22 at the Paramount Theatre. We had close to 2000 students attend this special event. Look for more collaboration between Children of the Setting Sun Productions and SPS in the future!
Native Education Represented at Sanislo Elementary’s Resource and STEM Fair
The Native Education Department was invited to host an informational table at Sanislo Elementary’s Resource and STEM Fair on November 7th. We chatted with SPS families, passed out Orange Shirt Day stickers and Coast Salish coloring sheets to the kids, and provided information about Title VI and Native Education.
It was a great night, and we hope to continue to collaborate with other schools in the district to get the word out about Native Education!
SPS Strategic Planning
Starting this spring, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is implementing a new five-year strategic plan. The plan will set clear goals and actions to improve education and our students’ experiences in the district.
Building a Strategic Plan Includes:
- Setting goals and guardrails by collaborating with the school board to assess how best to help students achieve.
- Analyzing resources and strategies so changes can be made to invest in what works for students.
- Designing strategies that will better connect important efforts across the district—like extra support for students who need it, access to challenging classes, and teaching that works for all learners.
- Planning for the future to support student learning in the years ahead.
For our Native students and families, your voice is important in this process! This is a great opportunity for you to be represented and offer input to help shape a strategic plan that addresses and supports the unique challenges our Native students face in the classroom.
There are several ways to get involved:
- Join the Strategic Plan Stakeholder Task Force: Families, students, and staff with voices that represent the school community will guide feedback collection, review strategies to help students, and examine future budget predictions. You can apply to join the taskforce. The first round of applications will close Friday, May 2.
- Attend community meetings to be updated on district initiatives and allow you to share your thoughts.
- Complete an upcoming community survey.
- Participate in a community focus group: The district will invite underrepresented groups within the community to learn about your experiences.
For any other questions on how you can get involved, please contact Georgina Badoni at gebadoni@seattleschools.org.
The Right to Wear Tribal Regalia Act
With graduation season coming up, the Native Education Department, in accordance with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, would like to remind our Native families that your student has protected rights to wear tribal regalia at graduation.
In 2020, the Washington State Legislature affirmed inherent rights, assured through tribal sovereignty, that allow American Indian and Alaskan Native K–12 students who are members of federally recognized tribes to wear tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance at graduation and other school events.
House Bill 2551, RCW 28.A.600.500 states,
“School districts and public schools may not prohibit students who are members of a federally recognized tribe from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of Native American cultural significance along with or attached to a gown at graduation ceremonies or related school events. School districts and public schools may not require such students to wear a cap if it is incompatible with the regalia or significant object.”
Native Summer Camp Programs
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families Office of Tribal Relations has complied a comprehensive list of summer camp opportunities in Washington State for Native students. Please inquire with the specific camp for possible scholarship opportunities, application deadlines, and more information.
Native Summer Camp Opportunities 2025
Tribal History and Culture Extended Core Instructional Materials
Tribal History and Culture Extended Core Instructional Materials Adoption Board Action Report Update
The goal of this report is to summarize the process and progress of the expanded Tribal Sovereignty and History curriculum, including the Since Time Immemorial adoption, in Seattle Public Schools.
View the report here: Tribal History and Culture Adoption Report
Making Natives Visible
Whitman Middle School Raises Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People
Thank you to Principal John Houston and art teacher Dever Dunnett for an amazing Multicultural Night that featured Native artists and student art. Students created faceless dolls to bear witness to the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous people within the borders of the United States.
Learn more about the Faceless Dolls Project
Learn more about the Red Dress Project
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Week of Action
Ask your teachers about Schoology classroom resources provided by Native American Education!
Learn about the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
Native American Poets and Pop Culture
National Poetry Month is April
- Native American Poetry and Culture (Poetry Foundation)
- A Tribe Called Geek (entertainment, art, media, lit, and culture links, reviews, and news)
- MovieWeb – Native American TV Shows
- Native America – PBS series on contemporary Indian Country
- 12 TV and Streaming Shows about the Native American Experience and That Celebrate Indigenous Culture [the title is unfortunate, but the resource is worthwhile] – Rotten Tomatoes article with links
- Native American Music Awards – Explore contemporary and traditional music from Indian Country
- Indigenous Futures – Storytelling Project that highlights resiliency of Native peoples
Native American Observances
Billy Frank, Jr. Day
- Learn more about Billy Frank, Jr.
- Teacher Resources (Requires login)
February is African-American History Month
Learn about the past, present, and future of Black Indians, also known as Afro-Indigenous, African American Indian, and African and Native American.
What do Tina Turner, Crispus Attucks, Jimi Hendrix, and James Earl Jones have in common? They have Native American Ancestry!
Orange Shirt Day
In 1973, Stwecem’c Xgat’tem First Nations citizen Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s new orange shirt, given to her by her grandmother, was taken away the day she arrived at Mission School. She was six years old. In 2013, she founded the Orange Shirt Society as part of her healing journey.
Learn more…
- Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
- Residential Schools in Canada Education Guide
- Orange Shirt Society
- Cultural Survival
The Boldt Decision
Boldt Decision at 50 WA State Historical Society, Tacoma Symposium
March 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Town Hall Panel Discussion and Program Boldt at 50 – Reflecting on Treaty
Justice and Tribal Sovereignty February 12, 7:30 p.m.
Hot off the Press “Treaty Justice: The Northwest Tribes, the Boldt Decision, and the Recognition of Fishing Rights” by Charles Wilkinson, pub. January 2024
University of Washington School of Law Article and Links
“A 50 year Legacy of Excellence”
As the 50th anniversary of the Boldt Decision approaches, we review the legacy of pioneering UW Law professor Ralph Johnson and his impact on the most complex case in Native American law history.
Social-Emotional Learning Through Plant Teachings
Native American Education collaborated with Social-Emotional Learning to prepare activities for SELtember. These activities promote social-emotional learning using plant teachings. Listen to Victoria Plumage tell the Licorice Fern story…