Consortium Connection Sept. 2025

• 9/25 Bethel (This is a location change!!!)

• 11/20 Seattle

• 12/16 Holiday Luncheon

• 1/15 Gig Harbor

• 3/19 Renton

• 5/21 North Kitsap

• 6/4 End of Year Luncheon

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Dear Colleagues,

The Office of Native Education is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Nakia Academy, a professional learning community by and for educators of color. Nakia Academy is offered in partnership with OSPI’s Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST), Washington Education Association (WEA), Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA), and the Office of Native Education (ONE).

This year, Nakia Academy proudly launches a new Indigenous Educator Cohort. Learn more on the Nakia Academy website: Nakia Academy | Washington Education Association

Nakia Academy provides a dedicated space for educators of color to learn with and from one another. Research and lived experiences show that intentional professional learning communities foster belonging, amplify cultural strengths, and create opportunities for collaboration rooted in shared experiences. Nakia Academy uplifts these strengths while supporting educators in their continued growth and leadership.

About the Academy
Nakia Academy is an ongoing professional learning community for educators of color. This year, the Academy expands with the Office of Native Education to include a dedicated Indigenous Educator Cohort. Nakia now includes five cohorts: three general BIPOC cohorts, one for BIPOC school counselors, and one for Indigenous Educators.

The Indigenous cohort fulfills the intent of RCW 28A.300.105 by:

• Developing and retaining educators serving American Indian and Alaska Native students

• Advancing culturally responsive mentoring

• Honoring sovereignty, language, culture, and community

Over four months, participants engage in OSPI’s BEST Mentor Academy 101 and 201 curriculum, strengthen mentoring skills, build relationships, and lead systems change for equitable student outcomes. Beyond the Academy, members remain connected through a sustained statewide network of support for Native students and one another.

Apply Today
Applications for the 2025 cohorts are now open. We invite Indigenous educators and educators of color across Washington to apply and join this transformative learning community.

OSPI Nakia Academy 2025-26 Application – Applications close September 15.

Thank you for your continued commitment to Native Student Success and to equity in education.

In partnership,

Bawaajigekwe Boulley, M.Ed. (she/her/kwe)
Native Student Success Program Supervisor
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
564-669-8834 | bawaajigekwe.boulley@k12.wa.us

Bring tradition, creativity, and hands-on learning together with our unique Turtle Activity Kit. Children will explore the story of the turtle while building their own turtle rattle—an instrument with deep cultural roots.

Inside the kit, kids will:

• Assemble their turtle shell using sinew, learning how natural materials were traditionally used.

• Add life and sound by filling the shell with beans, then attaching a sturdy handle.

• Personalize their creation with paints and decorations, making each rattle one-of-a-kind.

Perfect for classrooms, cultural programs, or at-home learning, this kit offers a blend of art, music, and history—sparking curiosity while encouraging creativity.

With the Turtle Activity Kit, children don’t just make a rattle—they connect with a story, a tradition, and the joy of creating something by hand.

Shana Yellow Calf - owner/artist

www.10buffalos.com

253.549.3820

The 2025 request for application window is now open for the Tribal Electric Boats Program.

Applications are due by October 23, 2025, at 5 p.m.

The Tribal Electric Boats Program (TEBP), funded by the Climate Commitment Act, is awarding $4,750,000 to tribes to support the electrification and hybridization of marine propulsion power for tribal fishing vessels, including boats for research and patrol activities. Grants include marine charging equipment needed to power the boats.

This program upholds tribal sovereignty, advances tribal goals for air quality improvement and climate change resilience, and supports decarbonization of marine vessels for federally recognized tribal governments and tribal enterprises.

How to apply:

· For RFA documents and additional details including eligibility, allowable costs, and timeline, see the TEBP webpage.

· Submit completed materials through the application form or email them to Caitlin.Roberts@commerce.wa.gov.

Contact Caitlin Roberts with any questions at 564-250-1887.

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We are looking for donations for this years Scholarship Raffle which supports our Merit Award. If you have items you would like to donate please bring them to a WWNAEC meeting.

Examples of Items might include:

Gift Cards

Beaded Items

Traditional Medicines

Books

Art Work

Movie Basket

Canned Goods

*these are just some examples, all donations are greatly appreciated!!

If your district is interested in joining NAYLA reach out wwnaec@gmail.com

Email: wwnaec@gmail.com
Website: www.wwnaec.org
Location: PO Box 494 Puyallup WA 98371