Native American Education

Smak i’ya (Matt Warbus) has been teaching Lummi Language in Ferndale School District since 2001. Prior to Smak i’ya, Mr. John Bill brought Lummi Lanuage to Ferndale High School for eight years. Smak i’ya provides Xwlemi Chosen language and culture instruction for Ferndale High. Smak i’ya also provides culture and art enrichment to our after school clubs including teaching flute making.

 Lummi Language is available at Horizon and Vista Middle School, as well as, Skyline and Eagleridge Elementary. We are proud to be one of a few Washington Schools that offers a native language course.

We offer Oksale class to Ferndale High School. Oksale means “teacher” in Xwlemi Chosen (Lummi Language). The goal of this class is to introduce and explore Native American humanities and leadership. We participate in team-teaching to integrate different skills and knowledge to create a well-rounded learning experience. Community members are invited and encouraged to come into the classroom to share their talents in order to offer up engaging learning opportunities for the students.

This class also includes learning through leadership which involves mentoring/tutoring younger students, as well as participating in community service learning opportunities. The mentoring program includes teambuilding activities with eighth grade students in order to build a connection and relationship, which will provide an ease of transition into their high school years. Students also work with elementary students in their classroom to act as an “oksale” by teaching them cultural lessons. Serving the community is important to our students, so we are always looking for opportunities to lend a hand to support those around us.

• Early Learning
• Elementary
• Middle School
• High School
• Tribal Sovereignty Curriculum Resources
• Videos
• Partnering with Tribes
• pK-12 Implementation Resources
• Higher Education Teacher and Administrator Preparation Programs

Since Time in Memorial

Native American Classes at
Vista and Horizon Middle School

Native American Classes at
Ferndale High School

Nancy Jefferson
Lummi Language Teacher
Horizon Middle School
Vista Middle School
Nancy.Jefferson@ferndalesd.org 

Cynthia Wilson
Language Department
Lummi Nation
CynthiaW@lummi-nsn.gov

Lummi Nation Johnson O’Malley Program (JOM)

Who is Eligible?

• Students at least 1/4 degree Indian Blood, enrolled in a Federally Recognized tribe/Alaskan Native.
• Age three (3) through grade twelve (12), attending Lummi Nation School, Ferndale Schools, or Lummi students attending outlying public schools.
• *Descendants with at least one (1) parent or one (1) grandparent enrolled in a Federally Recognized Tribe.

For more information regarding services and/or elegibility, please contact the Lummi Johnson O'Malley office:

2508 A Kwina Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226
P: 360-384-7170
LummiJom@lummi-nsn.gov

Carlene Toby
Director
360-380-6639
carlenet@lummi-nsn.gov

Reyna Jones
Program Coordinator
360-380-6640
reynaj@lummi.nsn.gov

Erin Jefferson
Lead Tutor
360-312-2332
erinj@lummi-nsn.gov

Irene Jefferson
Office Assistant
360-312-2332
irenej@lummi-nsn-gov