Kent School Board drafts land acknowledgement naming Muckleshoot Tribe, commits to partnerships

The Kent School District Board of Directors met in a public work session to draft a new board land acknowledgement, agreeing on language that names the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and pledges action-oriented partnerships.

Board President Margell opened the session and said the board was seeking a statement that is "specific and accurate," recognizes historical and contemporary relationships to the land, and includes a commitment to action. Superintendent Bella summarized prior steps in the process, noting a May 8 training with an OSPI speaker and that the board had received sample language and resources in September.

Directors read several draft statements aloud and identified recurring themes: reference to "lands" (traditional or ancestral), naming the Muckleshoot people, honoring stewardship of land and water, commitments to inclusive education, and adding a short, meaningful phrasing rather than a long recital. Director Song read a concise draft that "honor[s] their ancestors and recognize[s] their continued presence and contributions to our community today." Director Clark urged caution about making frequent recitations performative and suggested a monthly cadence as an option; others favored a consistent, short recitation at each meeting for clarity and formality.

Trustees debated whether the text should be broader ("indigenous peoples") to be inclusive of multiple heritages or specific to the Muckleshoot. Several trustees said the board’s location on Muckleshoot ancestral lands supported naming that tribe. Directors also discussed whether to use the word "ancestral" or "traditional," ultimately choosing "ancestral." Members emphasized plain language that community members with varying English proficiency could understand while retaining historical terms such as "time immemorial." Several directors asked staff to check cultural protocol; Superintendent Bella recalled advice from the OSPI presenter that the board should craft the board’s acknowledgement while being mindful about outreach to tribal members.

By the end of the work session directors had a draft reading: "The Kent School District Board of Directors acknowledges we reside on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe who have lived in this region since time immemorial. We honor their continued stewardship to this land, its waters, and its communities. We commit to ongoing learning, meaningful partnerships with native communities, and uplifting the sovereignty of the Muckleshoot people." The board agreed to take the draft away for further review and to return it later in a regular meeting or policy process.

Directors emphasized that wording must be followed by actions, including meaningful partnerships, learning, and support for tribal sovereignty. The board did not take a formal vote on the final text during the work session; members directed staff to bring a revision back for further review and possible adoption.

The draft reflects language discussed on the record at the work session and will be returned to the board for an approval process that could include additional tribal consultation and review by legal and policy staff.