February: Black History Month
In recognition of Black History Month, we've created an online collection of webpages, videos, articles and books about Black History Month and Black Indians, people of mixed African and Native American ancestry. Explore some of the books in our collection such as Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage and Proudly Red and Black: Stories of African and Native Americans, both written by William Loren Katz, and IndiVisible from the National Museum of the American Indian.
Superintendent Juneau reads Fry Bread with Seattle Super Readers
Watch and read along with Superintendent Juneau (Mandan, Hidatsa, Blackfeet) as she shares Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, a picture book by Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole), for Seattle Super Readers Book of the Month (8:46-minute video).
Explore Our Native Knowledge Resources!
Explore our selection of resources focused on Native American and Alaska Native knowledge curated by SPS Native American Education staff. Our aim is to make it easy for teachers to integrate teaching about contemporary culture and people as well as Washington State tribal history with their lessons all year long.
View Resources
I Am Native: A Video Highlighting Native American SPS Students and Leaders
I Am Native: A Discussion Between Seattle Public Schools Native American Students and Leaders (9:29-minute video on Vimeo) features Superintendent Denise Juneau, Board President Zachary DeWolf, Vice-President Chandra Hampson and students from Nathan Hale High School’s šəqačib program.
Recognizing Our Students
We are so proud of our students! Below, watch Rose Glen and Wes Calf Robe receiving a custom wool blanket and Huchoosedah paddle necklace to honor and celebrate their achievements.
The wool blankets were specially designed by Gail White Eagle (Muckleshoot, Chehalis), pictured left, who has been weaving for 25 years.
Eighth Generation, a Native-owned Seattle company founded by Louie Gong (Nooksack), created the blankets and paddles.
Pictured right: Louie Gong (center) with Native American Education staff Lauren Nabahe Fonoimoana (Paiute-Shoshone, Navajo, Mono), high school re-entry/intervention specialist (right), and Renée Remlinger-Tee, librarian (left).
Nathan Hale Student Creates Film about Climate Change Affecting Indigenous Nations
Interconnected: The Effect of Climate Change on Indigenous Nations is a film produced by Rosie Port, a graduate of Nathan Hale (2020), and her brother Gabe. Rosie created and beautifully produced this powerful film for her Hale Senior Action Project. It is an important piece of student work about issues facing indigenous culture and what individuals can do to reduce their environmental impact.
I Am Native Film Honors Students
I Am Native is a short film (7:38 minutes) showcasing Seattle Public Schools' Native high school students and staff sharing their stories, hopes and dreams for their future. Read more about I Am Native.
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