About Our School

Fast Facts

• Average enrollment is 145 students

• Over 25 different Indian Nations

• Grades Kindergarten to 8th Grade

• 10-20 students per class

• Founded in 1974

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History

The name Wa He Lut comes from a Nisqually warrior and medicine man whose power flowed from thunder and lightning.

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T. Maiselle Bridges and members of the Frank’s Landing Indian Community founded Wa He Lut Indian School in 1974. They wanted to ensure that Native American children would get the education promised in the Medicine Creek treaty.

 

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Education

Wa He Lut’s curriculum focuses on the academic skills that all students need. We also teach Native traditions, social skills, and coping skills.

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We encourage our students to become their own advocates. This builds their social character and generates pride, self-worth, and a healthy environment at school and home. Students learn to care for each other and our land. We encourage each child to place a high value on his or her own culture, while respecting the cultural diversity of others.

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Cultural Awareness

It is important to members of our community that our students learn the languages and cultures of their people. Students at Wa He Lut Indian School study the Quilshootseed Indian language. “Grandma Nelly” of the Quinault Indian Tribe passed this language down to Misty Kalama-Archer.

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Teachers, parents, Elders, and students provide a traditional perspective to the academic program. Students take part in activities designed to develop cultural awareness. The students carry on Coastal and Plains traditions with dancing, singing, and drumming performances.