For his senior project, Dakota Purser set out to bring greater awareness to the history and culture of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, of which he is a member. His project centered around organizing a field trip to Port Gamble, where he guided students through the area’s Native history, culture, and present-day significance. Dakota’s goal was to help his classmates see the land, understand its history, and recognize the ongoing efforts to preserve and revitalize Native traditions.
Inspiration Behind the Project
Dakota’s heritage played a key role in shaping his project. Growing up connected with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, he was encouraged to learn about its history, traditions, and the resources available to its members. His research highlighted how the tribe once had significantly more land before members were displaced by promises of jobs and resources elsewhere. Through this project, he wanted to share these stories with his peers and emphasize the importance of cultural recognition and preservation.
Port Gamble: A Significant Learning Experience
Port Gamble was the perfect location for this trip, not only because of Dakota’s personal connection to it but also because it serves as a key site in understanding the broader Native experience in the region. Dakota noted that cultural aspects of Native American history, including governance, traditions, and past practices, need more recognition. He hoped that bringing students to the land would provide them with a deeper appreciation of how the tribe operated historically and how it continues to shape its future.
Planning and Leading the Field Trip
Organizing the trip came with its challenges. Mrs. Alice Ralston, a teacher at Port Townsend High School, helped Dakota plan logistics, fundraise, and manage the budget to make the trip possible. Dakota was responsible for coordinating the travel route, ensuring that students arrived on time, and preparing them for what they would learn.
Despite these challenges, the trip was a success. Students were fully engaged throughout the experience, and many found it fascinating to learn that at one point, the S’Klallam language was nearly lost. Dakota shared the powerful story of one individual who worked tirelessly to revive and document the language, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Memorable Moments and Takeaways
One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip for Dakota was sharing the history of his great-great-grandfather, who played a vital role in the tribe’s history by purchasing land, hosting powwows, and providing essential resources to his community. These stories helped students connect the past to the present and understand the importance of preserving Native culture.
Among the many fascinating facts Dakota shared, students were particularly intrigued by the oral traditions of the S’Klallam people—how stories were passed down, how they used the natural environment for resources, and how they maintained their identity through food, clothing, and shelter.
Looking Toward the Future
This project has inspired Dakota to explore potential career opportunities within his tribe, whether in cultural preservation, culinary arts, or community engagement. He has a strong interest in learning more about traditional Native dishes and hopes to gain experience in the culinary field while remaining connected to his heritage.
Advice for Future Students
For other students interested in organizing a project related to Native history, Dakota emphasizes the importance of asking questions and researching deeply. He encourages others to explore not just the struggles of Indigenous communities but also their resilience, traditions, and ongoing efforts to revive culture.
Why Native History Matters
Dakota hopes his project helps more people recognize the significance of learning about Native history—not just in textbooks, but through real experiences, stories, and engagement with Native communities. He believes that understanding how Native peoples lived, their storytelling traditions, and their resourcefulness can offer valuable lessons for everyone.
Through his dedication and passion, Dakota Purser has not only brought greater awareness to the history of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe but has also paved the way for future students to continue exploring and sharing Native history.
The Student Voice Team at Port Townsend High School is at it again—bringing fresh, student-led initiatives to foster school spirit and a greater sense of belonging. Following the success of their Kickball Tournament, the team has now organized Student Appreciation Movie Night, an event designed to bring students together for a night of fun, relaxation, and community.
Set for Friday, April 4th, doors will open at 7:00 PM in the PTHS Auditorium for a special screening of the student-selected film (student votes are still being accepted). The event is completely free for all PTHS students, and attendees can enjoy complimentary popcorn and movie candy. To add to the fun, there will also be a pajama contest with exciting prizes for the best and most creative pajamas!
A Student-Led Initiative
The idea for Student Appreciation Movie Night came out of discussions within the Student Voice Team. Sienna Vasquez Wind, a leader in the initiative, explained, “It was part of a conversation where we were trying to boost school spirit and make everyone feel like they belong.” The team, which includes students from all grades, brainstormed ways to strengthen the high school community and offer activities that bring students together in meaningful ways.
What is the Student Voice Team?
Unlike ASB, which actively plans and executes school events, the Student Voice Team serves as a group of diverse students who reflect the broader student body’s interests and concerns. “Student Voice reflects the feelings of a broad group of students but doesn’t drive the process of any activities that we suggest,” said Vasquez Wind. Their role is to listen, discuss, and advocate for initiatives that enhance the student experience.
The Inspiration Behind the Event
For the Student Voice Team, this event is about more than just watching a movie. It’s about creating a safe and enjoyable space for students to connect. “I think it shows that the staff and others are trying to find safe and thoughtful things for the kids of our community to do,” Vasquez Wind shared. The event is a reflection of the school’s commitment to supporting students and providing positive experiences.
What to Expect
Movie: Chosen by student vote
Location: PTHS Auditorium
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM
Snacks: Free popcorn and movie candy
Activities: Pajama contest with prizes
Admission: Free for all PTHS students
Building a Stronger School Community
The Student Voice Team hopes this event will serve as a stepping stone toward even more student-driven initiatives. “The turnout will show us we have found something that kids appreciate and feel was done to support them,” Vasquez Wind said. By giving students a voice in shaping their school experience, events like this help cultivate a greater sense of inclusion and belonging.
What’s Next?
With the success of the Kickball Tournament and the anticipation surrounding Movie Night, the Student Voice Team is already looking ahead. One of their next goals is organizing a Field Day at the stadium, where students and staff can come together for a day of games, challenges, and fun.
As the Student Voice Team continues to push for engaging and inclusive events, their efforts demonstrate the power of student leadership in shaping a positive high school experience.
Mark your calendars and bring your best pajamas—PTHS Movie Night is set to be a night to remember!
About Port Townsend High School
Website: https://highschool.ptschools.org/
Location: 1500 Van Ness Street, Port Townsend, WA, USA
Phone: 360.379.4520
Non-discrimination statement
Port Townsend School District No. 50 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, immigration status, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Title IX Officer:
Carrie Ehrhardt
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 680-5756
Section 504/ADA Coordinator
Shelby Macmeekin
1610 Blaine Street
(360) 379-4501
Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR):https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
