During Native American Heritage Month, we shined a spotlight in social media on two leaders within our school district who are of Native ancestry, Briarcrest Dean of Students Sadrina Dorn and School Board Director Meghan Jernigan. Far too many of us were taught about indigenous peoples only as a part of history, not members of our current society who live and work among us and contribute greatly to our communities.

Ms. Sadrina Dorn, Dean of Students at Briarcrest Elementary School

Here are Mrs. Dorn's reflections on Native American Heritage Month and the importance of her own Native heritage.

Dagot'ee

My name is Sadrina Dorn, and I have been part of the Shoreline community since early childhood. I am delighted to be the Education Advisor for our Tide to Traditions Native Education Program for Shoreline Public Schools. I also derive great pleasure from being the Dean of Students at Briarcrest Elementary School.

Growing up in Shoreline, being Native meant occasional journeys with my mom or dad to attend local events like Powwows or Tribal celebrations. Although most of my family was not Native, my parents sought out Tribal activities for me, creating memorable experiences that allowed me to connect with my heritage. I loved Powwows as a child—the drumbeats, the singing, and, most of all, the freedom of dance. These gatherings created some of my happiest memories and gave me a sense of belonging to a community with deep family connections spanning generations. I hope the Native American children in Shoreline Schools can experience the same joy of being Native while gaining a strong sense of culture and identity.

Native Heritage Month holds special meaning for me. It not only honors the resilience of Native people but also celebrates the many Native leaders shaping our culture and country today, such as poet Suzan Shown Harjo, Secretary Deb Haaland, and Washington's Indigenous leaders like Rep. Debra Lekanoff, Rep. Chris Stearns, and Sen. Claudia Kauffman.

I believe that Native American heritage should be celebrated year-round. Still, this month offers a compelling opportunity to influence and educate others about the history and culture of the Native people in our region. I hope our community will listen to the stories of the Native people here, recognize our presence, and learn about our local tribes. Native Heritage Month is a time to reconnect with my heritage and explore traditions. It’s a time to celebrate our people today and encourage others to learn about the lands they live on and the original stewards of these lands in Shoreline.

Meghan Jernigan, School Board Director

School Board Director Meghan Jernigan shares this message for our community.

Halito Shoreline and Lake Forest Park families!

My name is Meghan Jernigan and I am so grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself in the “Native way” which for many people in my community means sharing my family lineage and family story. I was born and raised in Tulsa Oklahoma, and I am a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma where most of my family resides. I am the granddaughter of Edith Gardner, great granddaughter of Chief Jefferson Gardner, and I am a sister, auntie and mother to two boys.

I have been a guest on Coast Salish lands since 2008, when I relocated to work at the Seattle Indian Health Board’s Urban Indian Health Institute. While Seattle was far away from my home, I knew in my heart that I wanted to be part of the tribal public health ecosystem in Washington state so I jumped in with my raincoat and luggage!

My family and I live in the Meridian Park neighborhood of Shoreline, and we have had the wonderful privilege of raising our two boys in the district, from their early days at the Edwin Pratt Center all the way to Shorewood High School. After serving in the secretary role on the Meridian Park PTSA, I was elected to represent District 1 on the Shoreline School Board where I am currently serving my second term on the board. I also work as the Deputy Director of Federal Relations for the Washington State Department of Health where I get to support the state’s governmental public health system and work on federal health policies.

Raising my children in Shoreline has been a blessing. We are active in Shoreline baseball and enjoy connecting with other Native families in the district and in the greater Seattle area. My family deeply values the network of Native youth organizations that support our students outside of the classroom, from basketball with Native Warrior Athletics, to storytelling with Red Eagle Soaring. In my spare time, I serve on the board of Red Eagle Soaring and can be found in my favorite Costco camping chair cheering on my sons at their games.

Yakoke (thank you) for supporting Native American Heritage month! And always remember, you are on Native land!