Western Washington University & Native Forward Convene Regional Partners to Advance Native Student Success

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Western Washington University & Native Forward Convene Regional Partners to Advance Native Student Success

April 2, 2026

Native Forward, in partnership with Western Washington University, successfully hosted a Tribal & Institutional Partner Convening in Bellingham, Washington, bringing together an unprecedented coalition of Tribal education leaders, higher education institutions, scholarship programs and Native-serving professionals from across the Pacific Northwest.

This landmark convening marked a significant step forward in strengthening cross-sector collaboration and advancing Native student success through partnership, visibility and engagement.

Record Participation Signals Growing Regional Alignment

The convening saw record participation from a diverse group of partners, including Tribal education departments, colleges and universities, scholarship providers and alumni leaders. For many attendees, this was the first time they had gathered in a shared space dedicated specifically to Native student success.

Participating organizations included Seattle University Indigenous Peoples Institute, Suquamish Tribe, Seattle Colleges, Skagit Valley College, Western Washington University, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Marysville School District, Whatcom Community College, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, Lummi Higher Education, Bellingham Technical College, Northwest Indian College and alumni panelists.

Driving Impact Through Collaboration and Shared Learning

The convening fostered a dynamic and relational environment focused on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action. Participants engaged in:

• Cross-institutional networking to better understand available programs and resources.
• Dialogue on best practices for supporting Native students across educational systems.
• Honest conversations about systemic barriers and opportunities for institutional change.
• Exploration of strategies to align services, funding, and mentorship pathways.
• Attendees consistently highlighted the value of this coordinated, cross-sector engagement, noting that it filled a longstanding gap in collaboration across Tribal and institutional systems.
• Strengthening Relationships to Support Native Scholars.
• At its core, the convening centered on relationship-building. The gathering created space for meaningful dialogue between Tribal leaders and higher education professionals, strengthening trust, accountability and shared commitment.

Key connections were reinforced between:

• Tribal governments and education departments,
• Higher education institutions and student support programs,
• Scholarship providers and campus-based services,
• Alumni and institutional partners,
• These strengthened relationships lay the foundation for more coordinated, culturally grounded, and community-informed approaches to supporting Native students.

Expanding Visibility and Regional Impact

• The convening significantly elevated Native Forward's presence across the region, reinforcing its role as a trusted connector and leader in Native student success initiatives.

As a result of this increased visibility, Native Forward has:

• Expanded partnerships with Tribal education departments,
• Strengthened relationships with regional colleges and universities,
• Increased awareness of its programs and services,
• Created new opportunities for cross-system collaboration,
• Institutional Engagement and Opportunities for Growth.

While the convening benefited from strong participation among Native faculty, advisors and program leaders at Western Washington University, it also highlighted an opportunity to deepen engagement from broader institutional leadership. Expanding senior-level involvement remains a critical next step in advancing institutional accountability and long-term impact.

Leadership Acknowledgment

Native Forward extends special recognition and deep gratitude to Dr. Brandon Joseph, Director of Health Promotions and Student Resilience at Western Washington University, for his leadership and advocacy.

Dr. Joseph played a pivotal role in bringing this convening to campus, fostering key partnerships and championing Native student success. His commitment exemplifies the importance of internal institutional leadership in advancing equity-focused initiatives and building sustainable pathways for Native scholars.

Sustaining Momentum for the Future

The impact of the convening extends far beyond the event itself. It has catalyzed ongoing collaboration, strengthened trust among partners, and established a foundation for sustained, systemic change.

Participants left with:

• Stronger relationships and communication channels,
• Greater clarity around shared goals and collective impact,
• Renewed commitment to collaboration and coordination,
• A deeper focus on culturally grounded student support.

This convening reflects Native Forward's proven model for advancing Native student success where relationships deepen, practices improve, visibility increases and communities align around a shared mission.

Native Forward extends its sincere appreciation to all Tribal and institutional partners whose participation made this convening impactful and meaningful. This gathering represents not just a moment in time, but the beginning of sustained collaboration rooted in shared responsibility, cultural respect and a collective commitment to uplifting Native scholars.