Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month: Honoring Identity, Storytelling, and Community at Central Catholic

Each November, Central Catholic joins communities across the nation in observing Indigenous Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Here at Central Catholic, the Indigenous Student Union (ISU) strives to create a space where students can explore their identity, build community, and uplift Indigenous voices all year.

For current ISU leader Lilliana Wissel ’26, member of the Seldovia Village tribe, connecting with her Indigenous heritage has been a meaningful and transformative journey. “Being given the opportunity to connect with and learn from my Indigenous heritage has shaped who I am by offering me a new place of belonging and a new community to grow and learn more about myself,” she shares.

As a student leader, Lilliana has played an important role in fostering that same sense of belonging for others. “Being the ISU lead at Central Catholic has been one of my most rewarding experiences,” she says. “It has been great to be able to organize events and discussions to help make others feel included.”

ISU continues to grow each year, shaped not only by current students but by the legacy of alumni who helped pave the way for greater visibility and inclusion. One such alum is Emma Smith ’21, who worked to create the land acknowledgement that Central Catholic continues to use today. Her work remains a meaningful reminder of the importance of honoring Indigenous presence, history, and stewardship.

Representation is crucial for ensuring that Indigenous students feel acknowledged and valued within the school community. Junior Marcus Morton ‘27, member of the Squaxin Island Tribe, highlights this by stating, “There isn't a lot of representation at Central Catholic. It’s important for allies to be present, even if they do not identify as Indigenous, to help amplify Indigenous voices.”

One of the most significant values Lilliana hopes others learn from ISU is the importance of storytelling in Indigenous cultures, and how stories teach, connect, and celebrate the beauty of identity. “I hope others can learn the value of storytelling in Indigenous cultures in teaching lessons and celebrating differences,” she says.

She also emphasizes that Indigenous spaces are rooted in openness and community care. “I wish more people understood that you do not need to be Indigenous to be accepted in the community. We accept all allies and anyone who wants to learn more about the culture.”

Looking ahead, Lilliana believes Central Catholic can continue supporting Indigenous students through ongoing, year-round commitment. “Our school can continue to celebrate and uplift Indigenous voices with ongoing efforts to promote diversity and create safe spaces and communities where people feel like they belong.”

As we celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month, we honor the strength, resilience, and heritage of Indigenous students, families, and alumni who enrich our school community. Through ISU’s leadership and the foundational contributions of community members like Emma Smith ’21, Central Catholic continues to deepen its commitment to uplifting Indigenous identity, not only in November but every day of the year.

To learn more about our Equity and Community Engagement work, click here.