Since Time Immemorial: Indian Education in Washington State

Washington newspaper supports approval of a bill to require the use of the Since Time Immemorial curriculum in public schools:

SB 5433, approved by the Legislature this year, requires schools to use the curriculum, "Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State," which is available at no cost to school districts. "Since Time Immemorial," developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and indigenous nations in Washington, seeks to improve student knowledge of indigenous history and culture; foster cross-cultural respect and understanding; and bolster cultural sensitivity in all students.

It also seeks to give more balance to history instruction, which has often ignored the state's indigenous history or perpetuated stereotypes.

Indian students in Washington. Photo from Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

State Sen. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, and other supporters of SB 5433 say Native students will be more engaged in education. There will be more understanding and relationship-building between people of different cultures. And students who will go on to become leaders in their communities will understand sovereignty and the authority of the Tribes with which they will interact. (Kitsap County is within the historical territory of the Suquamish Tribe and the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe.)

"Since Time Immemorial" is designed so teachers can begin where they are most comfortable in their ability to teach the subject. The website provides curriculum, resources, expected outcomes, and teacher-support documents and videos.

Get the Story:
Editorial: Building a more informed citizenry (The Central Kitsap Reporter 6/1)

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Editorial: Include tribal history in public schools in Washington (4/8)
Editorial: Include all Washington tribes in public school curricula (3/18)