Indigenous-Led Education Rooted in Place and Policy
Whiteswan Environmental (WE) co-founded Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS) to help transform Washington State education by centering Indigenous sovereignty, land-based learning, and healing. WIHS was authorized by the Washington State Charter Commission in 2019 and opened its doors in 2021.
Together with Cindy Ruether, WE leaders — Troy Olsen, Sadie Olsen, and Shirley Williams — co-authored WIHS’s charter application to create a culturally grounded school that balances Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. The founding vision included an L-shaped longhouse at Whatcom Creek — a place of healing, learning, and reconnection.
WIHS aligns with Senate Bill 5433, which mandates that all Washington public schools teach the history and governance of federally recognized Tribes. And our efforts go further by advancing the intent of HB 1479, 1676, 1746, and 1894, which call for:
Whiteswan Environmental (WE) co-founded Whatcom Intergenerational High School (WIHS) to help transform Washington State education by centering Indigenous sovereignty, land-based learning, and healing. WIHS was authorized by the Washington State Charter Commission in 2019 and opened its doors in 2021.
Together with Cindy Ruether, WE leaders — Troy Olsen, Sadie Olsen, and Shirley Williams — co-authored WIHS’s charter application to create a culturally grounded school that balances Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. The founding vision included an L-shaped longhouse at Whatcom Creek — a place of healing, learning, and reconnection.
WIHS aligns with Senate Bill 5433, which mandates that all Washington public schools teach the history and governance of federally recognized Tribes. And our efforts go further by advancing the intent of HB 1479, 1676, 1746, and 1894, which call for:
- Equitable funding for Indigenous-led charter schools
- Tribal consultation and accountability
- Sustainable pathways for Indigenous teacher certification
- Support for culturally grounded curriculum and school design
- 13 Moons: Knowing Who I Am and Where I Come From
- Learning from the Homeland Language Camps
- WE Digital Ecocultural Mapping Project (MIT Solver Award)
- Immersive Indigenous Learning Through Planetarium Experiences
- NXT GEN Fellowship
- SOS Indigenous and Allied Guardianship
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Here’s how you can support our mission and vision today:
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