Inslee signs bill naming 'Since Time Immemorial' curriculum for Sen. John McCoy, adds Lushootseed language

Governor Jay Inslee onstage at a Tulalip Tribes ceremony signed House Bill 1879 on behalf of the late state Sen. John McCoy, naming the "Since Time Immemorial" tribal sovereignty curriculum after McCoy and enabling statutory recognition of the Lushootseed language in Washington schools.

The bill, announced and signed during a ceremonial event that included tribal drummers and family members, honors McCoy’s work promoting tribal history, government and culture in public education. Terry Goldman, chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribes, described McCoy’s long legislative career and his role in establishing Quil Ceda Village as federally recognized, saying the day’s events reflected the senator’s legacy and the participation of his family.

Inslee called the signing “a joyous occasion” and said the measure recognizes both the cultural and educational contributions of tribal communities. "This names the Since Time Immemorial curriculum for the late state senator John McCoy," the governor said, adding that the bill also marks the first time Lushootseed is explicitly incorporated into state law.

The governor invited family members and tribal leaders to stand behind him for the signing and thanked Representative Lekanoff, the bill’s prime sponsor, and others who brought the measure to his desk. Family members mentioned in the ceremony included Jeanne McCoy and a grandson identified as Dakota.

The ceremony tied the legislative act to larger state efforts to include tribal history and languages in K–12 education. No vote or legislative dissent was recorded at the event; the ceremony presented the measure as a completed enactment being signed into law.

The governor’s office arranged official photographs and communications staff accompanied the signing. The next procedural step is implementation through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which will administer any program elements tied to curricular inclusion and language supports as specified by state rules and implementing guidance.