Native American Education Program
The White River School District's Native American Education Program provides a variety of services and support to White River students of Native American heritage and their families.
Our program provides culture-based educational opportunities for Native American students to learn about their culture as well as about other Native cultures. They participate in cultural art projects, such as mask-making, drum-making, and beading. Other activities focus on academics, such as study groups, career fairs, and college preparation.
The Native American Club at the high school participates in traditional fry bread making and does the Packs for Kids project, in which homeless students within the district receive backpacks with school supplies, personal hygiene items, snacks, and incidentals.
Students and families may also receive assistance in the form of social services to help relieve situations that contribute to school-related problems. Research on Culture-Based Education (Demmert & Towner, 2003) has shown that Native American students who have the opportunity to learn about their culture and have this connection to their school community increase their self-esteem and are far more successful in graduating.
Members of the Native American Club at our middle school and high school learn about different native cultures and participate in activities such as 4H-Leadership Training, hands-on Native art projects, planning for post-secondary education, as well as participating in several community service projects. At all grade levels, the program serves our Native American families by providing family cultural activities, information and referral services, and by helping to address any additional needs as our Native student population works to achieve their goal of graduation.
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions
on the next seven generations" - Chief Seattle
White River School District has consistently provided a Native American Education Program to its students since 1994. In 2005, the District chose to administer the program in-district to provide its students continuity in services.
The Native American Education Program is funded through a Title VI grant through the Department of Education. These funds are used to provide the services and activities within the Native American Program. This grant is up for renewal each year. Outside funding from Native American tribes and charities is also sought to fund activities within this program. The Native American Education Program serves students who have Native American/Alaskan Native heritage. Students’ parent/guardian fills out a 506 form stating Native heritage. Non-Native students also participate in program activities.
Native American Program Eligibility and How to Join
To participate in the Native American Education Program, check in with your school counselor. There is no blood quantum requirement, nor do you have to be registered with your tribe. You do need to know the name of the tribe you have heritage in, so you can fill out the 506 form.
Even if your child chooses not to participate in the clubs and your family does not need any of the available services, by filling out the 506 form, you are supporting our Native American Education Program, allowing the District to provide cultural experiences, learning opportunities, and support for other students and families.
"You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul." - Unknown
Contact Aryanna Sherman at 360-829-3961 for more information, with additional information and resources on the Office of the Superintendent website at the Indian Education Program Page.