 Class of 2016 Anna Woods (AnnaBelle Whitefoot) is a High School English and History Teacher at Chief Kitsap Academy, the Suquamish Tribe’s tribal compact school where she serves 6-12th grade Native youth from a variety of tribes. Her mother, Sarah Hangan, is a former teacher and coach with Oak Harbor Public Schools and her brother is also an alumnus of Oak Harbor Public Schools.
What was your school experience like in Oak Harbor?
I enjoyed being a part of volleyball, basketball, and tennis! I earned 11 Varsity Athletic Letters, was a part of the National Honor Society, and Link Crew, and was Homecoming Queen. My favorite teacher was Mr. Schulle who was always smiling and always had something funny or positive to say.
What have you been up to since graduating?
I've earned a Bachelors of English from Gonzaga University and a Master's in Teaching from Washington State University. In addition to teaching, I've also coached high school volleyball, middle school boys basketball, and golf. I got married in November 2023 to my sweet husband, Everett Woods. I was gifted my Indian Name in May of 2022. My name is Wapíitala and it means Caretaker of the Youth. It is a big name to live up to, but I have made it my mission to serve Native Youth in the classroom and athletics.
What was the experience of being given your Indian Name like?
My younger brother, Weston, and I both got our Indian Names on May 21, 2022 on the Yakama Reservation at our Longhouse. In preparation for this, we were instructed to gather things that represent who we are as people so that we could gift them to others. The preparation process usually takes 6 months to a year. We gave away tons of homemade canned goods that my mom made. We gave away beaded jewelry, blankets, cooking appliances, soaps, towels, toys, purses, luggage, traditional medicines, WSU and Gonzaga gear and so much more. I gave away children's books and sports balls to represent my career as a teacher and coach. During the ceremony, we gave everything away, including the clothes off our backs. It felt good to take care of our loved ones in this way. It's never been said to me directly, but on my Native and non-Native sides I have learned that being rich is more about how much you can give to others as compared to how much you have. My brother and I felt rich that day.
In the spirit of reciprocity, our loved ones gave us gifts in return shook our hands, and said things like "Nice to meet you (insert Indian Name here)." After the giveaway, we got dressed in a new set of clothes to represent our new name and a new beginning. Traditional songs and words were also shared by my relatives. We then had a feast with everyone in attendance. We had a spread of traditional foods- salmon, elk, bitterroots, Huckleberries (my favorite), chokecherries, and water. We also had a spread of typical BBQ foods too like hotdogs and hamburgers. After the feast, everyone helped with the cleanup and went home with full bellies, bags of leftovers, and whatever they were gifted at the giveaway.
After the ceremony, Weston and I were told that it was our duty to share what we saw take place within our communities. We needed to make an effort to tell others about our culture. We were always taught to be proud of our heritage and to represent our tribe and families in a good way, so it felt effortless to tell others about the ceremony. Since then, I have always introduced myself in Ichishkíin with my Indian Name first and my English name following. I am so honored and proud to have the opportunity to share this story.
Is there any advice that you would give yourself if you could go back?
Push yourself past what you think your limits are and enjoy this time in which your parents and siblings are all under one roof.
Share your alumni story at www.ohsd.net/AlumniSpotlight
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