Seattle Public Schools

American Indian Studies

Monthly Native American Observances

Native American Observances

Seattle Public Schools recognizes Native Nations have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.

Shana Brown is the Native American curriculum specialist for district’s Native American Education Program. They have developed meaningful and essential resources to educate our community about the contributions and achievements of tribal citizens, tribes, and Nations throughout the year.

Orange Shirt Day graphic with two hands holding a bird with text Every Child Matters
September: Orange Shirt Day

Honoring the healing journeys of the survivors of residential and Indian boarding schools and their families.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day
Andrea Wilbur-Sigo, Squaxin & Skokomish artist who created SPS Northwest Coast website artwork
October: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Find educational resources for teachers, students, and families for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, celebrated on the second Monday of every October.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Resources
photo of Louie Gong, Nooksack artist & founder of Eighth Generation
November: Native American Heritage Month

SPS celebrates and honors Native American Heritage year round. Meet local tribal change makers and heroes.

Honoring Native American Heritage: We are more than a month
Rosa Parks smiles for a photp
February: Black Indians, African American History Month

Learn more about life experiences of many notable African-Native Americans!

Celebrating African American and Native American heritage
March: Billy Frank Jr. Day

March 9 honors NW Native American activist and influential leader Billy Frank Jr.

Learn more about Billy Frank Jr.
Patsy Whitefoot stands in state capital chambers beside a flag
March: Women’s History Month

Native American women and men have shared political power since time immemorial.

Learn more about influential Native American women
Rosalie Fish in runners gear with red paint hand print runs outside
May: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Indigenous people go missing at higher rates than other people. Urgent action is needed. Help support efforts to push for change!

Help fight the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people
A rainbow flag background with two feathers in the foreground
June: Two-Spirt Pride Month

Two-Spirit is an umbrella term for Native people who have both male and female spirits.

Learn more about Two-Spirit Pride month