Peggy & Jerry Johnsen re: Tribal Sovereignty Objectives

"Tribal Sovereignty Objectives for all Washington State Students; June 9, 2009

When House Bill 1495 was passed by the Washington State legislature in 2005, a powerful opportunity for teachers arose: the state officially recommended inclusion of tribal history in all common schools. Even more encouraging is OSPI’s recognition to provide appropriate, useful curriculum to teachers. The Tribal Sovereignty Advisory Committee became active as the result.
At a recent two day conference in Spokane, N.W. Tribes celebrated and shared their support and teaching of saving the Salish language within their communities and in public schools. An Executive Summary was shared by the Tribal Sovereignty Advisory Committee and what follows are some of the key findings.
There is a persistent recurring theme in the literature from 1928-2001, that Native language and cultural programs in school improve academic performance among Native students.
The health and well-being of Native youth and their families are primary concerns due the historical circumstances that conspired against Native American educational achievement.
The Multi-Ethnic Think Tank’s (2001) “Call to Action” for Washington State leaders advocated an education system that honors Native students’ languages and cultural heritages and this was reaffirmed by Native people.

Integration of Native language, culture and history into the public school system must be implemented.
Resources must be provided for pre- and in-service educators and stakeholders.
Better and more appropriate collection and reporting must be used to better inform policy and practice to assist Native students improve learning.
Increase state support and collaboration to increase Native American educational achievement because the most renewable and sustainable resource Natives have is their children.
The Cusick school district and the Kalispel Tribe have a strong relationship that is guaranteeing that all youth have an hour a day instruction in the Salish language … that is ALL youth in their district!! We encourage the P.O Democrats to visit and support this outstanding program right here in our backyard!
As educators we are alarmed by the large achievement gap between Native American youth and European Americans. This is not acceptable. We encourage fellow democrats to support the implementation of House Bill 1295, RCW 28A.2.30.090, 28A.320.170, and RCW 28A.345.070.

The following is a direct quote from the Tribal Sovereignty Advisory Committee’s summary:
Indian education dates back to a time when all children were identified as gifted and talented. Each child had a skill and ability that would contribute to the health and vitality of the community. Everyone in the community helped to identify and cultivate these skills and abilities. The elders were entrusted to oversee this sacred act of knowledge being shared. That is our vision for Indian education today.
This sounds like a powerful and necessary vision in order to ensure that the achievement gap for Native youth is closed, AND that the Native American cultural integrity is held safe while promoting indigenous knowledge, language, values, and practice.

Jerry Johnsen, Math Facilitator, Spokane Schools

Peggy Johnsen, Professor, Whitworth University