Course Description: Native Language & Literacy Convening — Pedagogy in Motion: Living Our Language & Literacy Work

This three-day convening is grounded in the Native Literacy Guidance developed by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and centers its principles as the foundation for all learning. Designed for educators, leaders, and partners serving Indigenous students, the convening brings together Tribal language educators and literacy practitioners as well as educators across the PK-12 and higher education landscape to explore how language, learning, and culture are meaningfully connected.

Participants will engage with a shared vision of language and learning as cultural, relational, and community-centered practices—extending beyond traditional classroom approaches to include oral tradition, storytelling, identity development, and land-based ways of knowing.

Through interactive sessions, collaborative dialogue, and real-world examples, participants will:

• Explore and apply the Native Literacy Guidance principles in their context
• Bridge Tribal language practices with broader instructional approaches
• Learn from schools and communities implementing this work
• Develop actionable next steps to support student learning and well-being

This convening centers relationship, reflection, and application. Participants will leave with practical strategies, strengthened connections, and a deeper understanding of how to support Indigenous learners through culturally grounded practices.

OSPI Office of Native Education 7 Native Literacy Principles

Principle 1: Foster trust and belonging through relationships and community*

Principle 2: Use a strength-based approach to assessing and instructing AI/AN learners

Principle 3: Center identity development as a pillar of literacy development

Principle 4: Develop oral language and storytelling as foundations for literacy

Principle 5: Ground curricular and instructional choices in the concept of Indigenous excellence

Principle 6: Engage with students in deliberate, multifaceted, and culturally respectful ways

Principle 7: Integrate criticality into reading, writing, and community engagement

Full Native Literacy Guidance: Native Literacy Guidance 2025

Convening Agenda at a Glance

Daily Schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Flyer 2026 NLL (2).pdf

Keynote Flyer 2026 NLL.pdf

Venues for Lang. and Lit. Meeting and Lunch and Keynote.pdf

April 21 – Tribal Language Day

• Morning: Welcome & Community Building
  Language games, interactive learning, and shared practice
• Midday: Instructional Practice
  Lesson sharing, strategies, and collaborative discussion
• Afternoon: Language in Action
  Learn each other’s languages, secondary engagement focus, and group synthesis
• Closing: Reflection Circle

April 22 – Bridging Language & Literacy

• Morning: Grounding & Framing
  Community-centered opening and core learning session
• Midday: Language Warrior Honoring
  Reflection, storytelling, and community recognition
• Afternoon: Keynote & Integration
  Keynote by Anton Treuer (virtual)
  Dialogue and collective meaning-making
• Closing: Community Reflection

April 23 – Native Literacy Day

• Morning: Native Literacy Guidance in Practice
  Interactive exploration of principles and meaning-making
• Midday: Implementation in Action
  School and system examples from across communities
• Afternoon: Visioning & Commitments
  Dream space, next steps, and collective commitments
• Closing: Giveaway & Send-off

Daily Support

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided
(Traditional foods lunch served on April 22)