OSPI Building Closure
OSPI will be closed from 9-10:30 am Thursday, December 18, for an all-staff meeting. Thank you for understanding.
Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC)
Contact Information
Henry Strom
Assistant Superintendent, Native Education
360-918-3953
The Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNAEAC) reconvened in March 2019 to promote leadership and the unique principles and effective practices of Native American education, which helps to assure academic success and cultural integrity at the community, school, state, and tribal levels. The committee consists of 22 members nominated by tribes and tribal organizations to provide consultation with OSPI on matters and issues related to the well-being and achievement of American Indian and Alaska Native students who attend public, tribal compact, and tribal schools in Washington state.
Bylaws
Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee Bylaws
Next Meeting
January 7, 2026 | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm (virtual)
Committee Meeting Minutes
- 2025 Meeting Minutes
- 2024 Meeting Minutes
- 2023 Meeting Minutes
- 2022 Meeting Minutes
- 2021 Meeting Minutes
- 2020 Meeting Minutes
- 2019 Meeting Minutes
Committee Members
| Member Name | Representing |
|---|---|
| Jennifer LeBret (Spokane Tribe), WSNAEAC Chair | Tribal Representative East |
| Anna Armstrong (Kalispel Tribe of Indians) | Tribal Representative East |
| Elese Washines (Confederated Tribes/Band of the Yakama Nation), WSNAEAC 1st Vice Chair | Tribal Representative East |
| Michelle Parkin (Makah) | Tribal Representative West |
| Zenitha Jimicum (Tulalip Tribes) | Tribal Representative West |
| (danisətən) Michael Vendiola (Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) | Tribal Representative West |
| Lolita (Lola) Ceja (Yakama Nation) | Elementary/Secondary Education East |
| Vacant | Elementary/Secondary Education East |
| Jarrod Da (Tewa San Ildefonso Pueblo) | Elementary/Secondary Education West |
| Dr. Chelsea Craig (Tulalip Tribes) | Elementary/Secondary Education West |
| Gail Morris (Nuu Chah Nulth, Ahousaht) | Urban Representative |
| Sara Marie Ortiz (Pueblo of Acoma) | Urban Representative |
| Tamika LaMere (Chippewa and Cree) | Urban Representative |
| Patricia Whitefoot (Confederated Tribes/Bands of the Yakama Nation) | Parent/Grandparent/Guardian/Elder East |
| Sally Brownfield (Squaxin Island Tribe) | Parent/Grandparent/Guardian/Elder West |
| Joseph Martin (Comanche Nation) | State Tribal Education Compact Schools |
| Waylon Michel (Colville Tribe descendent and Yakama Tribal Member) | State Tribal Education Compact Schools |
| Dawn Hardison-Stevens (Omushkeg Cree-Metis/Anishinabek Ojibway/Cowlitz/Steilacoom) | Higher Education Representative |
| Zoe Higheagle Strong (Nez Perce Tribe) | Higher Education Representative |
| Vacant | Pre-K/Early Learning Representative |
| Cindy Kelly (Delaware Nation), WSNAEAC 2nd Vice Chair | Statewide Education Organization ex officio |
| Jerad Koepp (Wukchumni) | Statewide Education Organization ex officio |