North Kitsap School District Celebrates Native American Graduates

The North Kitsap School District honored the resilience and achievements of its Native American graduating seniors in an honoring held yesterday, June 4th, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the House of Awakened Culture, hosted by the Suquamish Tribe and North Kitsap School District.

 

The event began with an opening song from the Suquamish and Port Gamble S'Klallam singers, and included a shared meal, the blessing of the graduates, and the presentation of gifts from the Native American Education Department. The celebration acknowledged the accomplishments of 33 graduates representing 13 different tribes.

 

Interim Superintendent Rachel Davenport, addressing the graduates for the first time in her role, expressed profound admiration for their perseverance and resilience. "What an amazing day. I am so proud that my first opportunity as a Superintendent to address graduating seniors is here, and the seniors I’m addressing are the Native American students that help make up North Kitsap School District whose buildings are located on the ancestral lands of two Sovereign Nations, the Suquamish and the Port Gamble S'klallam," she said.

 

Davenport highlighted the historical and recent challenges these students have overcome. "As a district, we are honored to recognize the Native American students from many tribes who have demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming both historical violence and the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to graduate high school. For centuries, you have faced systemic oppression, cultural erasure, and socio-economic hardships, stemming from colonization and forced assimilation policies. Despite these adversities, Native American communities have fiercely fought to preserve their cultural identity and prioritized education as a pathway to empowerment."

 

"The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty, exacerbating existing disparities in access," Superintendent Davenport continued. "Yet, through the support of families, communities, and tribes, these students have shown incredible determination. They adapted to remote learning environments and persisted in their studies. Their graduation represents not just an academic achievement but a powerful testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to forging a brighter future for themselves and their communities."

 

We thank the Suquamish and S’klallam tribes for their support of the North Kitsap School District. Additionally, we express a heartfelt thank you to Native American Liaisons Krissy Rose, Chanel Fake, Angelia Carr, Millie Loughnane, and Gina Roof for their efforts in supporting the students along with the NAEP staff for organizing the honoring.

 

This honoring was not only a recognition of academic success but also a cultural affirmation, underscoring the importance of education as a pathway to empowerment and a brighter future for Native American students.

 

Families are welcome to download photos at https://photos.app.goo.gl/ggzzy4HAEaR99fHj6.