Materials to Support Wabanaki (Maine Native) Studies

INFORMATIONAL LETTER NO. 18
POLICY CODE: IHAC

TO: Superintendents of Schools
FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE: September 8, 2009
RE: Materials to Support Wabanaki (Maine Native) Studies

In June 2009, the Wabanaki Studies website was launched to support Maine K-12 educators as they implement Maine law 20-A MRSA Section 4706(2) (formerly LD 291) and the Wabanaki (Maine Native) Studies component included in Maine’s Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction.
The website provides corresponding resources that are culturally appropriate and support the intent of the law, including links to websites, videos, and interactive CDs that have been reviewed to ensure that they are accurate and relevant. Furthermore, suggested learning targets, in a K-Diploma scope-and-sequence format, aid in integrating Wabanaki Studies into the local curriculum.

To visit the site, please go online to http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/ss/wabanaki/index.shtml.

This online learning resource is the result of a collaborative effort between the four nations of the Wabanaki in Maine, Native and non-Native educators, Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission, Maine Department of Education, and University of Maine System. The project builds upon the early work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission, which was established by the Maine Legislature in 2001.

Schools and school administrative units are responsible for implementing Wabanaki Studies in each grade span. Instruction in Wabanaki Studies serves multiple ends:

Allows teachers to provide instruction around important concepts that transcend any one subject area or time period (for example, injustice, continuity and change, culture, interdependence);
Allows students to examine historical and contemporary issues in a more balanced context;
Develops future citizens of Maine who will possess a deeper awareness of the complex and continually-evolving Wabanaki culture;
Allows students to understand Native Americans using authentic, meaningful examples from the State of Maine.

Teachers are encouraged to approach this content as integrative rather than as an “add on”.
While it is most common to find Wabanaki Studies taught in a social studies curriculum, it can be easily integrated into content areas and courses across all grade levels. Resources included here are not comprehensive or definitive but rather represent high-quality materials that are widely available. They have been reviewed by cultural experts designated by Wabanaki Tribal leaders and practicing Maine educators.

If you have additional questions, please contact Jana Boody, Social Studies Specialist at jana.boody@maine.gov or (207)624-6828.