At the January 2003 State Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted a rule establishing a three-year First Peoples’ Language/Culture Certification pilot program.

In the spirit and intent of the 1989 Centennial Accord entered into between the State of Washington and 26 Sovereign Tribal Governments of Washington State, the Washington State Board of Education, at its January 2003 meeting, adopted Policy WAC 180-78A-700, the First Peoples’ Language/Culture Teacher Certification three-year pilot program.

First Peoples’ languages are falling silent. This is a loss to the cultural heritage of the affected tribes and to the cultural resources of Washington State. Teaching First Peoples’ languages can be a critical factor in successful educational experiences and promoting cultural sensitivity for all students.

The purpose of establishing the pilot program for the certification of teachers of First Peoples’ languages/cultures is to contribute to the prevention, recovery, revitalization, and promotion of First Peoples’ languages and provide the opportunity for tribal children to learn their language while at school.

On June 20, 2003, the Board and Tribal Chairs from nine tribal governments celebrated the signing of the first Government-to-Government Agreements for Washington State’s First Peoples’ Language/Culture Certification Pilot Program. The signed agreements with the State Board of Education include the following Sovereign Tribal Governments: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Cowlitz Tribe, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Makah Tribe, Nooksack Tribe, Skokomish Tribe, Spokane Tribe, and Tulalip Tribe. The first two First Peoples’ Language/Culture teaching certificates were awarded to Elaine Y. Grinnell and Jamie R. Valadez, both of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. On January 16, 2004 the Board & Tribal Vice Chair signed a Government to Government Agreement with the Suquamish Tribe. On October 20, 2004 a Government to Government Agreement was signed with the Kalispel Tribe.