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Seattle Public Schools/Departments/Native American Education

Native American Education

Photo of Billy Frank, Jr. announcing Billy Frank, Jr. Day at Seattle Public Schools

March 9 is Billy Frank, Jr. Salmon Celebration Day

Learn more about the life and legacy of Billy Frank, Jr

[Native] Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sovereign Bill

photo of Muckleshoot actor Sovereign Bill

Learn more about Sovereign and other Native women making a difference in Indian Country

SPS’s Native American Education Program is a Referral Service

In English and Coast Salish: We would like to acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands and traditional territories of the Puget Sound Salish People

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.

Please call or email Gail Morris gtmorris@seattleschools.org We are here to help, problem solve, and inspire.

Announcements

Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings are the second Thursday of each month, 5 – 6 pm on Teams.

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 268 079 303 413
Passcode: JJmB4T

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 206-800-4125,,28505154#   United States, Seattle

Phone Conference ID: 285 051 54#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

The next Culture Night is March 14, 5 – 7 pm at Meany Middle School in the American Indian Resource Library, Room 46.

Technology Support

Technology Support

Technology Supports for Families

Please call 206-252-0100 or email laptops@seattleschools.org for student and family technology support. Technology support includes:

  • Laptop and SPS device support
  • Internet WiFi hot spots support
  • Support with remote learning software (e.g., Seesaw, Schoology) and other educational resources
  • General technology resource information and support
  • Support with the following translation software:
    • Microsoft translator
    • Talking Points
    • Linguistica
  • Additional English Language instructional support

Learn more:

If your student needs help getting a laptop, please contact their principal, teacher or email Gail Morris: gtmorris@seattleschools.org.

Family Resources

Family Resources

Need support with food, housing, child care, Internet access and other services? Get help at the Crisis Connection.

Not quite sure what resources are available? Search the King County 2-1-1 Database. You can also dial 2-1-1 to speak with someone.

See if you qualify for free or low-cost Internet Resources for Seattle residents.

Seattle Public Schools Native American Education program works in collaboration and partnership with Family Support and McKinney-Vento program staff. Contact Chrissy Dulik Dalos, the Native Family Support Worker, by email lcdulikdalos@seattleschools.org 

Native American Youth Leadership Academy

As part of a collaboration between the Western Washington Native American Education Consortium (WWNAEC) and Seattle Public Schools, we invite SPS Native American student(s) in grades 8 – 12 to apply to the Native American Youth Leadership Academy (NAYLA.).

This wonderful opportunity brings together over one hundred 8-12th grade Native American Youth from across Western Washington to take part in activities that support and promote positive academic outcomes, meaningful leadership development and cultural identity. Students will come together throughout the academic year, connect, build positive relations with other Native American students and adults, participate in a variety of culturally responsive leadership development, and engage in personal as well as academic activities that promote continual constructive progression.

The first cross-district NAYLA session for the 2022-2023 school year will be October 13, 2022.  

Transportation to and from each NAYLA session will be provided by SPS Native American Education Huchoosedah Program.

All applicants must have a valid 506 form on file with SPS Native American Education to be considered. Registration is closed at this time. New applications will be added to the waitlist.

NAYLA 2022-23 Application

SPSTV Licorice Fern Story

Native American Education collaborated with Social-Emotional Learning to prepare activities for SELtember 2022. These activities promote social-emotional learning using plant teachings.

Shana Brown Receives 2022 Enduring Spirit Award

Shana Brown poses for a photo holding an award

Congratulations to Shana Brown who received the 2022 Enduring Spirit Award.

Presented by the Native Action Network, award recipients are honored for their lifetime commitment to building strong, healthy Native communities and intergenerational connections.

Brown comes from the Yakama, Muckleshoot, and Puyallup tribes and is a Native Education curriculum specialist for Seattle Public Schools. Brown began her journey in 2005, writing curriculum for the Washington State Historical Society and continued into 2007 as the principal writer for “Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State.”

For Brown, winning the Enduring Spirit Award is a celebration of womanhood. Her aunt was one of the first recipients in 2006, and her supervisor, Gail Morris, won in 2017. Brown was nominated by her SPS colleague and 2021 honoree Boo Balkan Foster.

“All three of these astounding women were there with me at the awards ceremony,” Brown said. “That’s what Native women do – we lift each other up. I am honored and proud to be in the company of such strong, tenacious Native women and a part of the Native Action Network sisterhood.”

Native Action Network is a nonprofit organized to promote Native women’s full representation, participation, and leadership in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.

Learn more about the Native Action Network’s Enduring Spirit Award

Native Art Featured on SPS Websites

Meet the Native Artist Whose Work is Featured on the SPS Public Websites

The story behind the artwork on our websites: Andrea Wilbur Sigo, Squaxin Island

SPS Educator Fighting for Students

Boo Balkan Foster Named Regional Teacher of the Year 2022

Boo Balkan Foster

Washington State Regional Teacher of the year 2022.

We are thrilled to announce that the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) has recognized Boo Balkan Foster of Seattle Public Schools as the Regional Teacher of the Year!

Boo Balkan Foster is a šəqačib teacher in the Native Education Department. She teaches a leadership class, working in partnership with Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, serving students in grades 6-12. She is a veteran educator with 26 years of experience as a teacher.

Boo Balkan Foster poses for a photo holding an award

Boo Balkan Foster Honored by Enduring Spirit Award, Native Action Network

Congratulations to Boo Balkan Foster who received the 2021 Enduring Spirit Award!

Presented by the Native Action Network, award recipients are honored for their lifetime commitment to building strong, healthy Native communities and intergenerational connection.

Leaders like Boo have advocated powerfully for environmental protections, access to quality education, holistic health and wellness, cultural preservation, traditional knowledge, tribal sovereignty, strengthening of treaty rights, tribal economic development, and beyond.