Today, October 12, is Indigenous People’s Day. Staff and students in the Eastside Native American Education Program (ENAEP) are honoring the first inhabitants in the United States by acknowledging and commemorating their contributions, history and culture. 

Today, ENAEP students and families met virtually to recognize the observance. A few students came dressed in their traditional clothing and participated in an acrylic paint class and a beading class. Students were taught the history of eagles, a symbol for great strength, leadership and vision. They also learned about the regalia, which is what Native American dancers wear during traditional dances like a powwow.  

Next week, on October 24, ENAEP will host its virtual 14th Annual Veterans Powwow. This is an intertribal gathering where ENAEP families will come together to honor veterans. Festivities will include dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones. 

ENAEP is a federally funded program that assists Native American, Alaska Native and American Indian students in the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore School Districts in grades K-12. Since the initiation of the Indian Education Act of 1972, the Federal Government has assisted local school districts in funding educational programs for all Native American, American Indian and Alaska Native children. These programs are intended to provide children with programs that not only offer them the opportunity to succeed academically, but to enrich their cultural lives as well. 

Services provided to all Native American students include afterschool activities, homework support, mentoring, coordination of home and school needs, student advocacy, cultural events, language exploration, traditional storytelling and a Microsoft job shadowing. 

We encourage you to learn more about Native American history and the different tribes in Washington, as well as across the U.S. Visit the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs website at: goia.wa.gov