Swinomish leader sees solid future with district

Swinomish Tribal Senate chair Steve Edwards, a La Conner High School graduate, enjoyed a warm homecoming when he met with school board members March 25.

Edwards, known for his conciliatory leadership style, focused his remarks on building bridges between the La Conner School District and Swinomish.

“It’s great that we can come to the table and have an open discussion,” said Edwards. “We all grew up together. We all know one another. We’re a community here.”

Edwards was the second local elected leader to address the board in recent weeks, following the visit of new La Conner Mayor Marna Hanneman.

Edwards said he was thankful for the opportunity to formally meet with board members and expressed his appreciation for district officials having attended a prior tribal senate session.

“We can have a plan to improve the relationship going forward for both sides of the channel,” Edwards said. “I think there is still work to do.”

There has been progress on several levels, including implementation of the campus Between Two Worlds program, celebrations of Native American cultural and historical events, classroom instruction of the traditional Lushootseed language, and creation of a school district community and cultural liaison position.

“I see progress,” said Edwards. “We’re going to grow this community. There shouldn’t be division. I want a future for this community.”

Board members embraced Edwards’ comments.

“I’m very passionate about what you’re saying,” said board member Kim Pedroza. “We have to make a real commitment to get people to come out of their houses, get away from the TV, and see each other in-person. We have an opportunity to make things happen. I think we have an opportunity here.”

Board member John Agen told Edwards he is always welcome at board meetings. Following Edwards’ presentation, he and Agen engaged in a lengthy side conversation.

“You have our commitment that we will continue to make the strides necessary so that all kids are successful,” board member Susie Deyo assured Edwards.

Board member J.J. Wilbur, who serves with Edwards on the tribal senate, reinforced the chairman’s message.

“Our responsibility is to help raise the bar,” said Wilbur. “I would like to see even more coordination between the school and the tribe.”

The agenda included recognition of the high school boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, each of which advanced to the state playoffs; fourth grade student Halley Oh, recent recipient of a statewide award for her artwork; and La Conner Rotary and residents Mike Collins and Ben Barrett for their respective donations to school programs.

School officials praised Oh for her submission to the Washington State PTA Reflections Art Contest.

“When I first saw it I knew it was a winner,” La Conner Elementary Principal Heather Fakkema said.

Oh’s colorful illustration of letters sprinkled upon houses by a large helping hand, expresses the power of education to provide hope in the lives of students.

Town Council members MaryLee Chamberlain and Mary Wohleb updated the board about the Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative (SVCEC) and efforts to secure grants to solarize La Conner Schools.

Wohleb said the grant process is competitive, but favors proposals promoting equity and social justice, two high priority items for the district.

The board has agreed to submit a letter of support for the SVCEC grant application.

Director of Teaching and Learning Beth Clothier announced that the district has been invited to join a native literacy work group.

“I’m really excited about this,” she said. “We can provide information to them and then be able to learn from them.”