Culture
For the Children of Chief Leschi Schools
"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
Canoe & Community
The Canoe Journey is a revival of the traditional method of transportation and is a significant cultural experience for all participants. It began in 1989, when the “Paddle to Seattle” took place as part of the 100th anniversary of Washington Statehood. That year, the state and indigenous governments signed the Centennial Accord, recognizing indigenous sovereignty. Fifteen Native Nations participated in the Paddle to Seattle. [Learn More]
Today our school continues the tradition. If you would like to join please talk to your culture teacher and keep in mind that their’s an age requirement.
Indigenous Art
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.
Culture Teachers
Yvette Duenas Aponte is a culture teacher on the Secondary side of Chief Leschi Schools. She is descendent of the Quileute tribe, but spent the majority of her life in the Puyallup community. Her husband and daughter are both enrolled Puyallup. She has been a part of the Leschi community since 2015.
She began her journey as a paraeducator, and as years passed, she had the opportunity to grown into the role of teacher. She is dedicated to the students here at Chief Leschi to support their cultural and academic endeavors. Her academic achievements: She received her Associates of Art from Pierce College, BA from The Evergreen State College, Teaching certification for Northwest Education, Native Education Certification for The University of Washington, and her First Peoples certification, as a Level 1 certified language instructor, currently working towards level 2. Mrs. Duenas’ work experience is also a lived experience. She actively participated in numerous tribal gatherings, and events. She gives her all in any role she holds and the work in the Chief Leschi community is no different. She will continue to remain ƛ’ububƛ’ub, kʷaxʷalikʷ, ʔabalikʷ, kind, helpful, and sharing in her work.
Davina Barril English xh’eináxh, Khukandagéin Tlingít xh’eináxh. I was born into a Tlingít matrilineal clan – Wooshkeetaan, or Shark Clan. I was born in Petersburg Alaska, as were my parents and one sister. I attended schools in San Francisco, CA, and Seattle, WA; I received my BA from University of Washington, and MA from Seattle University. I am married to Florentino “Tiny” Barril, Sr., Tlingít-T’akdeintaan, and Filipino. He is the dance group leader of the Alaskan dance group, Kuteeyaa Dancers. I am the lead drummer and song leader. I am a Ravenstail and Chilkat weaver and I love my indigenous foods! Since 2008, I have taught at Chief Leschi Schools. My husband and I now live in Lakewood, WA.
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."
My name is Sophia Loucks. I am from the Quileute and Yakama tribes and am a Chief Leschi Schools Alumni, class of 2002! I am in my 10th year as a Culture Teacher with my Certification in Native Education from the University of Washington, as well as a dual endorsement in Lushootseed and Culture from the OSPI. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege to teach our students from Pre-K to Highschool. My current roles include Elementary Culture (3-5), Elementary Drum and Dance Coordinator and ASB advisor. I enjoy Native Arts and dancing . As a teacher, I truly believe that language is the expression of our culture and land, as well as a direct connection to our ancestors and that we cannot have one without the other. For that reason, I strive to integrate the Lushootseed language into as many lessons as possible.