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Native American / Alaskan Native Education

Native American | Alaskan Native Education

Logo for Native American | Alaskan Native Education featuring mountains and a canoe.

WELCOME

The Native American | Alaskan Native Education program supports Indigenous students in our district, representing over 70 federally recognized tribes, including 20 from Washington State. We offer services such as tutoring and homework assistance, educational field trips, and cultural summer camps. Additionally, a full-time Support Specialist is available to assist students and their families.

The South Kitsap Indian Parent Advisory Council (S.K.I.P.A.C.), composed of parent, teacher, and student volunteers, plays a vital role in advising on and promoting our programs.

Our program is primarily funded by a federal Title VI grant, which is based on tribal enrollment. If your student is a member of a federally recognized tribe, or has a parent or grandparent who is a tribal member, please complete and return the Title VI enrollment form linked below. Your participation helps us continue providing valuable resources and opportunities for our Native youth.

The John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial Curriculum

In 2015, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5433 modifying the original 2005 legislation, now requiring the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington state or other tribally-developed curriculum be taught in all schools. In 2024, the Legislature passed House Bill 1879 naming the curriculum in honor of John McCoy (lulilaš).

The use of the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum has been endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes. Select the link to listen to how lulilaš is pronounced.

Visit the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum page for more information, curriculum links and teaching tools.

A circular emblem divided in half, featuring a red and black stylized face on the left and a brown geometric pattern on the right.

Introduction to Northwest Coastal Culture

Our after-school tutoring program is now open to all Native American and Alaskan Native students in grades K-12. Tutoring sessions will be scheduled after school on days agreed upon by the parent and the tutoring volunteer(s). Each student is eligible for up to two hours of tutoring per week, subject to available funding.

Tutoring is provided by paraeducators from the school district. If you’re interested in enrolling your child in the program or have any questions, please complete the form linked below and/or contact our Support Specialist, Matthew Haver.

TUTORING INTEREST LINK

INTERESTED IN TUTORING FOR US?
Please reach out via the contact info below.

CONTACT US

Phone: (360) 874-7017
Email: haver@skschools.org
Office: 2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Bio:

Matthew (Gix Kaa) is Alaskan Native (Tlingit) on his mother’s side and a voting member of both Sealaska™ and The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Matthew has been an educator since 2017, working as a Resource Paraeducator, Library & Media Specialist, and tutor.

Suquamish Land Acknowledgement

Suquamish Land Acknowledgement

Statement

A black silhouette of a canoe with multiple paddlers and a figure at the front, with text 'THE SUQUAMISH TRIBE' below.

SUQUAMISH PEOPLE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

“Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.”
Chief Seattle 1854

We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is within the aboriginal territory of the suq̀ʷabš “People of Clear Salt Water” (Suquamish People). Expert fisherman, canoe builders and basket weavers, the suq̀ʷabš live in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Salish Sea as they have for thousands of years. Here, the suq̀ʷabš live and protect the land and waters of their ancestors for future generations as promised by the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855.

Land Acknowledgement Poster (PDF)

Links & Resources

A group of children and adults pose outdoors, holding colorful letters spelling 'CHAMPION' and round objects.