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Date of Award
Spring 6-1-2023
Author Requested Restriction
Open Access (no restriction)
Work Type
Dissertation in Practice
Degree Name
Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD)
Cohort
UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program
First Advisor
Robin Minthorn
Second Advisor
Michelle Montgomery
Third Advisor
Lexie Tom
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to look at how we can use the education system as a tool to restore tribal identity and create belonging. To successfully see this work through the Lummi Nation, I will have to look at ways to challenge the formalized Western Education System and acknowledge its impacts on identity development. Pre-contact, the Lummi people had education systems in place that ensured the transmission of sacred knowledge, the learning took place within the house, and it was the family's responsibility to ensure the children grew up knowing the family values. The house of learning was broken down due to colonization and forced assimilation, creating a generational gap. The traditional ways of teaching and learning were replaced with foreign knowledge systems. This research asks, “How do we use the education system as a tool to help restore tribal identity and create belonging?" and “What are the internal and external barriers preventing Lummi Nation School from implementing findings?” Through story-sharing sessions, archival research, and a case study focused on the creation story of the Blackhawk Singers, I found a common theme that focused on the importance of mentorship and transitions. Currently, the Lummi Nation follows a model for helping children identify their gifts and ensuring belonging through the Gifted and Talented Program and Transitions Program, available only in specific subjects and for students identified as special education. In this paper, I propose a new model for Gifted and Talented and Transitions to ensure students have equal access to mentorship and transition programs that can help create a sense of belonging and identity development.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Merisa K., "Educational Sovereignty: Creating Community by Ensuring Belonging" (2023). Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice. 84.
https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/edd_capstones/84