BPS event showcases Indigenous history, learning and culture

In May, Bellingham Public Schools held the 3rd Annual John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial Community Night. This year’s event took place in the BPS District Office with visitors engaging in learning and community throughout the building.  

West Shore Canoe Family provided a cultural presentation that included the Lummi Nation anthem and a berry season song to honor and open the event. Emcee daniseten Michael Vendiola shared how song keepers and writers such as Antone George of West Shore are integral to cultural continuity and in creating opportunities for sharing these gifts with the wider community.  

This annual event celebrates collaborative teaching and learning between local tribal nations, Indigenous educators and organizations and all of our BPS schools. 

Student work from all grade levels was displayed across windows and walls and students of all ages gave presentations based on their studies in the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial (JMLSTI) curriculum that is required to be implemented statewide in Washington. The showcase gave examples of student learning in tribal history and sovereignty, as well as in cultural traditions. 

In one example of the impact made by the curriculum, Fairhaven Middle School seventh grader Mae Wan Cheong shared in her presentation that learning tribal history is an important step to recognition and reconciliation of the “damage done and bridges burnt.” 

“As a community,” Mae Wan said in her speech, “we should take time to further develop our knowledge on the true history of our shared lands and waterways, as we slowly unveil both sides of the story.” 

“We may not be able to pick up all the pieces, but with precaution, steady dedication and care, we can start rebuilding the trust that we one day hope to have within our communities around us,” she continued in her remarks. 

“It may not be perfect, but each story has to start somewhere, and my hope is that this is just the beginning of a fresh era of stable courage and reconciliation that eventually future generations will grow up and prosper in.” 

In another example of student learning, Alderwood and Happy Valley fourth and fifth grade students presented their studies about fishing rights/tribal activist Billy Frank Jr. They presented next to the maquette statue of him that was on display in the District Office and in the community this spring, and brought with them a mural of student salmon paintings that has hung in the school all spring after learning from Noelani Auguston (a member of the Stol:o Nation) and also lead filmmaker for the Billy Frank Jr. Statue Project with Children of the Setting Sun. These students had facilitated assemblies this year for Washington State’s Billy Frank Jr. Day on March 9 with follow-up lessons in classrooms. This was an opportunity for them to extend this teaching to the wider community.  

Squalicum ninth grader Betty Canete shared about her experiences with the Native American Student Union, which this year developed and led schoolwide learning opportunities for Boarding Schools Truth and Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day), Native American Heritage Month, and Treaty Day. 

Alongside impactful speeches and meaningful reflections by students and educators, there were also numerous other activities to take part in during the event, including a room for coloring pages of Coast Salish art created by local artists Jason LaClair and a tribal trivia board from Lummi Natural Resources. Attendees could also view a video of the dedication assembly for Sehome High School’s new mural created by Jason LaClair. 

The district’s Native American Family Committee was tabling to answer questions and connect with families about their efforts. 

Community partners filled the District Office sharing information at tables, or selling beadwork, jewelry, artwork, clothing and books. Local Nooksack storytellers Tammy Cooper-Woodrich, Angela Letoi and family tabled at the event sharing information on their upcoming book Blue Jay and Salmon with Nooksack illustrator Nish Romero. Local bookseller Village Books was also there with Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley, author of the book Our Hearts Beat as One. Artist Jason LaClair was present with some of his prints. Artist/jeweller Michelle DeAsis was selling some of her pieces next to examples of student weaving from lessons she has taught in our elementary schools, Bellingham Public Library was in attendance as well as Allied Arts, Whatcom CARE and Western Washington University. 

Children of the Setting Sun Productions, a vital partner with the district around Indigenous education, ran a storytelling booth, tabled about their projects, and screened many of their films and documentaries throughout the evening, including a film about the book Our Hearts Beat as One and on Billy Frank Jr.’s maquette in partnership with Arts Washington. CSSP videographers also filmed much of the evening’s activities. 

A salmon dinner was shared with hundreds of visitors thanks to Marcelle Hillaire and her family. 

BPS is proud to share how students engage in a deeper understanding of tribal sovereignty and Indigenous teaching and learning through this annual event highlighting the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum. 

For more photos taken during the evening, click here.