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.

In 2015, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 5433 modifying the original 2005 legislation, now requiring the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington state or other tribally-developed curriculum be taught in all schools.

In 2024, the Legislature passed House Bill 1879 naming the curriculum in honor of John McCoy (lulilaš). The use of the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial curriculum has been endorsed by all 29 federally recognized tribes.

• 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

The “Ches Kwin” Club is student organization that started over 35 years ago at Ferndale High. Horizon and Vista middle schools offer student clubs that include culture and leadership activities.
“Ches Kwin” stands for Golden Eagle in Xwlemi’ Chosen and Golden Eagle is the mascot of Ferndale High.
Members continue the mission of the original founders by traveling to different schools to speak or dance at cultural assemblies. Students also go into social study and language classes to speak on the Washington State history from the American Indian perspective. We are an active club willing to do community service and fundraise for special events. The club has participated in Ferndale High's graduation ceremony for the past 16 years. Its appointed officers drive the leadership of the club.
 
Cheskwin Club meets bi-weekly. 

This club offers a safe environment for Native American Students to feel comfortable and welcomed, where they can be themselves. It is an opportunity to hang out, interact, and participate in cultural activities.
 
Kwechost Club

Kwechost Club is middle school's club name. They offer culture and leadership activities, continuing the mission of the Cheskwin Club founders. 
 
Mia Owings. Cheskwin Club Advisor
564.209.1986
Maria.Owings@ferndalesd.org
 
Brandi Whitney, Kwechost  Club Advisor
360.305.5760
Brandi.Whitney@ferndalesd.org
 
Rachel Entz, Kwechost  Club Advisor
564.209.3975
Rachel.Entz@ferndales.org

Native American Classes at
Vista and Horizon Middle School

Lummi Language offered for grades 6 through 8, are intended to cover basic vocabulary. These classes cover essential building blocks for the foundation to High School Lummi Language classes. Priority in the classroom is building a sense of identity and understanding our ScheLangen(Way of life).

Native American Classes at
Ferndale High School

LUMMI LANGUAGE (9TH-GRADE)
This introductory course concentrates on basic vowel sounds of Xwlemi Chose, the Lummi language
LUMMI LANGUAGE 2 (10TH-GRADE)
This course is a review of basic Xwlemi language. Emphasis is on learning advanced reading, writing, and conversational skills to be utilized in daily living.
OKSALEE 1 (11TH-GRADE)
This class is design to be an introduction and exploration of Native American humanities, leadership and study.
OKSALE 2 (12TH-GRADE)
This class delves even further into Native study. American humanities, leadership, and study.

Matt Smak i' ya' Warbus
Lummi Language Teacher
Ferndale High School
Matt.Warbus@ferndalesd.org

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)

The Lummi Nation Johnson O’Malley (JOM) program promotes educational success by providing quality supplemental financial and educational support services that address the unique educational needs of JOM students.

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

Johnson O'Malley | Resources & Information

• Brochure
• JOM Registration
• Program  calendar
• Tutoring agreement
• JOM Parent-Student Handbook
• Funding Service Request

Click here for more information 

Lummi Nation Johnson O'Malley
2508 A Kwina Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226
P: 360-384-7170
LummiJom@lummi-nsn.gov

Brochure

JOM Parent-Student Handbook

JOM Registration

Tutoring agreement

Funding Service Request

Lummi Child Welfare - Webpage

Children's Services
P: 360-384-2324
F: 360-384-2341

Lummi Youth Services
P: 360-312-2011

Tsunami Evacuation  

Emergency Hotlines:

LIBC & Lummi Nation Schools: 360-380-6998
Whatcom County: 360-738-4551

Lummi Health 
2592 Kwina Rd., Bellingham WA, 98226
M-F 8 AM - 5 PM
360-384-0464

After Hours:
360-715-2447

Lummi Nation
2665 Kwina Rd, Bellingham WA, 98226
P: 360-312-2000

Lummi Nation School
Home of The Blackhawks
p: 360-758-4300 f: 360-758-3160
2334 Lummi View Drive, Bellingham WA. 98226

p: 360-676-6749

Bellingham
600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham WA. 98225

Mount Vernon
301 Valley Mall Way, Mount Vernon, WA. 98273 

OSPI Native American Education

• Native American Policies and Procedures

• December 13, 2024

FERNDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 502
Ferndale, Washington

December 13, 2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ferndale School Board President Dr. Kevin Erickson has announced the school board will hold a

Special Joint Meeting with Lummi Nation Education Board
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Followed with a Regular meeting on
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Mountain View Learning Center, 5780 Hendrickson Avenue, Ferndale, WA
The Board will consider agenda items as attached here and any other items that may properly come before the Board at that time.

Please note: The meeting will also be live-streamed online.

At any time that you would like to contact your board members, you may do so by using their contact information that is displayed on this webpage at this link.

Dr. Kristi Dominguez
Superintendent

• December 8, 2025

FERNDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 502
Ferndale, Washington
December 4, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ferndale School Board President Dr. Kevin Erickson has announced the school board will attend the Lummi Board of Education meeting for the Annual Consultation to present the Joint Policies and Procedures and Status of Lummi children in Ferndale School on

Monday, December 8, 2025

At 4:30 p.m.

At the Silver Reef Casino Resort, WA.
4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale WA.

School Board

At any time that you would like to contact your board members, you may do so by using their contact information that is displayed on this webpage at this link.

Dr. Kristi Dominguez
Superintendent
 

Meeting Notice