Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tribal Consultation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts tribal consultation framework after outreach to 29 tribes
Summary
The board unanimously approved a tribal consultation framework staff developed after outreach and formal consultations with multiple tribal nations; staff described tailored, tribe-specific consultation and next steps for continued government-to-government engagement.
The State Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a tribal consultation framework designed to formalize government-to-government engagement with Washington's tribal nations.
Tribal liaison and community engagement coordinator Anna Ricks detailed outreach over the past year to all 29 federally recognized tribes in Washington and to additional nations with unceded interests. Staff reported formal consultations with the Musqueam (Musqueam Tribe referenced) and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation (a formal in-person consultation in Toppenish attended by Chair Mary Firtakis and the executive director). Ricks said the consultation process also included ongoing relationship building with tribal education offices and the Office of Native Education at OSPI.
Key themes from tribal partners included a preference for early and frequent consultation rather than engagement only when decisions are imminent, a request for clear communications and follow-up documentation, and interest in accountability and district reporting on implementation. Staff said the draft framework would be flexible: consultation is triggered when a tribe asks to consult and the specific process will respect each tribe's sovereign preferences.
Board action: Bill Kalapa moved and Abby Wu seconded the motion to adopt the framework; the board voted unanimously to approve the framework and recognized the staff's outreach work.
Next steps: Staff will continue government-to-government consultations, send "dear tribal leader" letters when proposed changes are circulated (for transparency and invitation to consult), and integrate tribal feedback into future rule drafts and implementation materials.
