November Cultural Awareness and Recognitions: Native American Heritage Month

In the Snohomish School District and community, we honor and recognize our diversity. Recognizing diversity facilitates our collective ability to support each and every student and family regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, cognitive ability, background, personality, and more.

Diversity presents the opportunity for critical thinking to occur through exposure to different viewpoints, life experiences, and beliefs allowing us to explore and examine our world. Check out this article communicating the benefits of inclusion and diversity in the classroom.

Native American Heritage Month was first recognized in 1990 after approval of a resolution by President George H. W. Bush. Since then proclamations have been made each November under various names including National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

Skykomish Valley Indian Education (SVIE) is a federally funded program serving Native students in the Snohomish, Monroe, and Sultan school districts who are enrolled tribal members or have a parent/guardian or grandparent who is or was an enrolled tribal member. SVIE coordinates programs throughout the year for the entire community, such as its holiday make and take, pow wow and activities at the longhouse during fair time. In the past, these culture nights have been held to strengthen ties in our Native community and enroll new families. Learn more about SVIE by clicking here. Questions may be directed to Mars Miller, Family Liaison Coordinator, at millerm@monroe.wednet.edu or 425-359-8935.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has resources available for teachers and people who want to learn about Native history and cultures.

For more information on recognitions throughout the year please check out this link from pta.org.

"Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome". ~ Arthur Chan