You are invited to join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, for simultaneous Squaxin Island Tribe Flag Raising Ceremonies at Capital High School and Olympia High School, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
These ceremonies mark the first time the Squaxin Island Tribe flag will be raised at our high schools and signify the beginning of a new tradition across the district. Moving forward, the Squaxin flag will be flown at all 22 Olympia School District schools and support buildings.
To ensure broad community participation, we are hosting one ceremony on each side of town. Administrators and student representatives from each of our 17 feeder schools will attend, receive a Squaxin Island Tribe flag, and bring it back to their own schools for individual school-based flag-raising ceremonies.
The Squaxin flag stands as a powerful symbol—honoring the first peoples of this region and reflecting our district’s commitment to our relationship with the Squaxin Island Tribe. This includes government-to-government training for all OSD principals and board members, as well as the district-wide implementation of the Since Time Immemorial tribal sovereignty curriculum.
Each ceremony will feature a presentation on the history of the Squaxin People, traditional drumming and singing, and remarks from Squaxin Island Tribal dignitaries, OSD Native Education Coordinator Sandra Gordon and Superintendent Patrick Murphy. The event will conclude with the presentation and raising of the flag, led by district tribal students and Squaxin Island Tribal members.
Following the ceremonies, a reception will be hosted at each high school, welcoming the Olympia community to gather, celebrate and connect.
Flag Raising Ceremonies Details:
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Locations:
- Capital High School – 2707 Conger Avenue NW (Conger Avenue upper entrance)
- Olympia High School – 1302 North Street SE (North Street entrance)
We hope you will join us for this meaningful celebration of culture, recognition and community.