Walla Walla Public Schools and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation recently signed a memorandum of understanding that has been in the works for years.

Christy Krutulis, the school district’s executive director of teaching and learning, said WWPS started working with the CTUIR six years ago when state legislation made it a requirement for districts to partner with local tribes when reviewing social studies materials.

The memorandum, signed March 12, means the district has promised to continue educating its students about CTUIR history and culture.

“By collaborating with members of our local tribe, we ensure that students receive high-quality lessons that accurately reflect the unique cultural and linguistic background of our region,” Krutulis said.

For several years, the district has used the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s “Ready to Go” lessons to meet the curriculum requirements for Since Time Immemorial.

Since Time Immemorial is a curriculum that has been approved by all 29 federally recognized tribes and includes lessons such as “American Indian Urban Relocation,” “Fish Wars: Native Fishing Rights,” and “Why Do the Foods We Eat Matter?”

Krutulis said the CTUIR is updating its lessons and that once those are complete, teachers will decide how they align with grade-level curriculum and standards.

The district also is working with the Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation to give fourth and seventh graders an annual opportunity to experience drumming, dancing and storytelling presentations from CTUIR members.

“Our MOU with CTUIR ensures that we provide culturally appropriate and meaningful opportunities for our students, staff and families to learn about our local tribal land and history,” Krutulis said.

The first draft of the memorandum was written in spring 2023, Krutulis said. After a change in leadership at the CTUIR’s education department, the two entities were able to draw up the final version of the MOU in fall 2024, which then was approved by the school board before signing.

Jaimie Crane, education director for the CTUIR, said establishing formal partnerships fosters open communication and cooperation between schools and tribes.

“This communication is critical to recognizing and addressing the unique challenges Indigenous students face,” Crane said. “By empowering communities, we can better ensure reliable, accountable and continuous programming, services and support throughout the academic journeys of our Indigenous students.”

Crane said she hoped that having a partnership with the school district would support an accessible learning environment for Indigenous students.

“Laying this foundation for ongoing collaboration ensures continued advocacy, services and resources for Indigenous students, families and the community,” Crane said, “while creating a ripple effect of beneficial impacts and outcomes for future generations.”