The bill aims to enhance public school instruction regarding tribal sovereignty and the history and culture of federally recognized Indian tribes in Washington State. It establishes the office of Native education within the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which will be responsible for supporting school districts in meeting the educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native students. The office will facilitate the development of curricula that include native languages, culture, and the concept of tribal sovereignty, and will provide assistance in securing funding for these initiatives. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribes by September 1, 2026, and requires collaboration with these tribes during curriculum reviews.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a system for annual monitoring and evaluation of school district compliance with the new curricular requirements, starting in the 2025-26 school year. It also includes provisions for reporting on the collaborations between school districts and federally recognized Indian tribes, as well as recommendations for compensating tribes for their expertise and consultation. The reports will be submitted to the legislature, with specific deadlines for compliance and evaluation metrics set for 2026 and 2027. The bill emphasizes the importance of tribal perspectives in education and aims to foster better relationships between schools and tribal communities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.300.105, 28A.320.170