During a recent Beaverton School District (BSD) meeting, educators and community members highlighted the district's ongoing commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native education, coinciding with November's designation as Native American Heritage Month. Dr. Toshiko Morizio, administrator for multilingual programs, emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions and history of indigenous peoples not just in November, but throughout the year.

Key initiatives discussed included the renaming of Timberland Middle School to Tumwater, which means \"waterfall\" in the local indigenous language, and the passing of a resolution in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. The district has also developed a comprehensive plan to implement the state's required tribal history curriculum and collaborated with local tribes to create a land acknowledgment that emphasizes actionable commitments.

Jenny Sanchez and Jen Anderson, representatives from the American Indian Alaska Native program, shared current efforts to recruit more Native students and engage them in cultural events. They are working with neighboring school districts to enhance recruitment strategies and ensure that students are aware of cultural happenings across Oregon.

A significant focus of the program is the integration of tribal history into the curriculum. Anderson noted that professional development for educators is underway to embed these lessons across all grade levels, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that includes tribal perspectives.

The meeting also featured a student, Rondo, who shared his positive experiences at the district's Culture Camp, where he learned about his heritage and participated in traditional activities. Christina Parker, president of the Native American Parent Advisory Committee, spoke about the program's vital role in fostering community engagement and providing academic support for Native students.

Future goals for the program include increasing the presence of Native art in schools and incorporating indigenous languages into the curriculum. The meeting concluded with a discussion about a recent cultural event where families created quilt blocks to express their tribal identities, which will be displayed in schools to promote awareness and pride in Native heritage.

Overall, the BSD's initiatives reflect a strong commitment to honoring and integrating indigenous culture and history into the educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging and recognition for Native students and their families.