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"Whatever the future holds, do not forget who you are. Teach your children, teach your children’s children, and then teach their children also. Teach them the pride of a great people … A time will come again when they will celebrate together with joy. When that happens my spirit will be there with you."
~ Chief Leschi, Nisqually
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From culinary to design, our arts program is growing in leaps and bounds. Check with your teachers to see what classes are available for you.
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Director of Student Success and Culture
Culture Teacher
Culture Teacher
Khukhundagéin yóo xhát duwasáakw Lingít xh’eináxh. Davina Barril yóo xhát duwasáakw dleit khaa xh’eináxh. Ch’aak naaxh áyá xhát. I am Eagle moeity. Wooshkeetaan xhát sitee. I am Wooshkeetaan. Tóos hít daxh áyá xhát. I am from the Shark House.
Besides reclaiming our indigenous foods: gathering, planting, making oils, salves, cooking, I also enjoy reclaiming languages, Lingít and twulshootseed. My goal is to help build a stronger community and pass on the knowledge through cultural education.
Culture Teacher
I am Bart Brewer, and I am of Yakama, Flathead, Puyallup, Snoqualmie and Canadian descent. My father was David C Brewer Jr. of the Yakama Nation. My mother, Karen Brewer is of Swedish/Norwegian heritage. My grandparents were Amy and David C Brewer, both enrolled Yakama members. I am not enrolled since the Yakamas have a ¼ blood quantum.
I am in my 34th year of teaching here at Chief Leschi, with the last 3 years working in the culture program. I enjoy drumming and singing at circle, and I have a passion for family/tribal history. Prior to working here, all I knew was my 2nd great grandmother was Ellen Brewer, a Puyallup allottee. I have since learned that her father was Klo’out, a Medicine Creek Treaty signer. My great grandfather was James Brewer, who was at Chemawa boarding school when they issued the Puyallup allotments. James’ brother David was allotted land in Puyallup, but James had to get his land over in Yakama, and then he became enrolled in the Yakama tribe. Growing up in Puyallup, prior to the American Indian Religious Freedom act of 1978, I wasn’t exposed to much native culture. I grew up participating in football, wrestling and baseball. I enjoy learning and taking part in all cultural activities, learning the language, and traveling with our canoe family. I am an avid sports fan, and I enjoy taking a good vacation to reset myself.
“We will be known FOREVER by the tracks we leave.” Dakota Indian Proverb.
Culture Teacher
My name is Carl Lorton. I am from The Quinault Tribe. I am a Culture Teacher currently at Chief Leschi School in Puyallup. I have been here for 12 years. I currently teach many different subjects. I teach Cultural Projects, Drumline, Indigenous Culinary Arts.
I grew up hunting, fishing, and harvesting throughout the Northwest on tribal lands. If we don’t teach our children to be stewards of our traditional foods and harvesting methods, these recipes and traditions will be lost. I am also the Skipper of our Chief Leschi Canoe Family. My other tasks are I am the Head Wrestling coach, and a member of the school's Drum and Dance group. I remember long ago someone told me, “Make it hard for them to fire you, be active and do it for the right reasons."
Culture Teacher
I work as a middle school culture teacher at Chief Leschi Schools. If I look familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen me at one of the Puyallup Language Classes or Coastal Jams!
When I was a very young student at CLS, one of my teachers taught me a phrase, “We will once again open this box of wisdom that has been left in our care,” and as a child that inspired me to carry on cultural knowledge. I love seeing the spark in our students when they choose to carry this awareness too.
“When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know that you are alive.” Chief Seattle, Suquamish & Duwamish.
