Native American / Indigenous Languages

Prior to the 1800s, the languages most commonly spoken in the area that is now Washington State included different Coast Salish languages spoken by Tribes in the Puget Sound region, Interior Salish languages spoken by Tribes east of the Cascade mountains and languages spoken by the Makah, Quileute and other tribes on the Pacific coast. Despite U.S. government policies that aimed to erase Native languages and cultural traditions, Tribes in this region have preserved their languages, and are working to revitalize their use among youth and elders. All school districts in Washington State are now required to incorporate tribal government, history and culture into their social studies curricula, and districts are encouraged to offer instruction in Native American languages. Districts are encouraged to develop government to government relationships with the Tribes in their areas to partner in meeting this charge. Many Tribes offer resources and classes in their languages through their Tribal language or education departments, and partner with their area school districts to ensure students can earn credit for learning their own language. Some school districts offer classes at elementary or high school levels in their area Tribes' languages. Teachers of Native American languages must be certified according to the First Peoples' Language, Culture and Oral Tribal Traditions Certification Program. (Read more about the Certification program, here: https://www.pesb.wa.gov/innovation-policy/equity-initiatives/first-peoples-language-culture-and-oral-traditions-certification/). Learn more: Many Tribal Governments share information about their history, culture and languages on their websites and in their museums.  Find links and information about Washington Tribes at the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA): www.goia.wa.gov or at Washington Tribes: www.washingtontribes.org. Learn More: Read about and find curriculum materials for the Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum developed by the Tribes in Washington in collaboration with OSPI's Office of Native Education, Since Time Immemorial, at: http://www.k12.wa.us/IndianEd/TribalSovereignty/.