Highline Schools integrate Indigenous history curriculum in partnership with Muckleshoot Tribe

Highline School District is taking significant steps to enhance the education of tribal history, language, and culture in its curriculum, as highlighted during a recent School Board Special Meeting on April 16, 2025. The meeting showcased the district's commitment to honoring its treaty obligations with local tribes, particularly the Muckleshoot Tribe, and integrating their perspectives into the educational framework.

Bridal Katzie, the director of professional learning and a member of the Since Time Immemorial (STI) leadership team, shared insights from a recent convening with tribal partners. This event, which took place over a year ago, aimed to gather feedback on the implementation of tribal history education. Katzie emphasized the importance of shifting the relationship between the school district and tribal partners from one of mere consultation to one of accountability and partnership, ensuring that the district fulfills its treaty commitments.

The meeting also highlighted the district's recent equity symposium, where tribal leaders served as keynote speakers. This event received positive feedback from staff, who expressed a deeper appreciation for the contributions of the tribes and the importance of honoring their sovereignty. One staff member noted that the experience underscored the value of cultivating strong relationships with the Muckleshoot community.

Bernard Koontz, who oversees instructional materials and curriculum, reinforced the significance of integrating tribal history into the core educational program. He announced that this year marks the first full accountability for teaching this curriculum at the secondary level, with specific expectations set for seventh-grade Pacific Northwest History, eleventh-grade U.S. History, and twelfth-grade Civics. The district is also working to ensure that this curriculum is accessible in schools with different structures, such as Big Picture and Choice schools.

Looking ahead, Koontz mentioned that the state is expected to introduce accountability measures for tribal history education, and Highline is proactively preparing for this by establishing a robust framework. An interim report has already been conducted, with a final report planned for the end of the year to assess progress in meeting educational targets.

The Highline School District's initiatives reflect a dedicated effort to honor tribal history and foster respectful relationships with local tribes, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that acknowledges the rich cultural heritage of the region.