Our resources are dynamic and changing as we learn and grow together. We invite everyone to keep an eye on this space as we expand our resources, and we encourage you to keep learning, as well as to send us lessons or units you'd like to share with others. Woliwoni!
We honor the Indigenous voices and representation, especially in regard to teaching Wabanaki studies. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) cannot utilize Maine DOE's materials on Wabanaki studies because doing so contradicts the traditional and decolonized principles we seek to uplift and perpetuates a cycle of exclusion. These materials were created through extensive collaboration between educators and Wabanaki knowledge-sharers, and they are rooted in the cultural and historical contexts of Wabanaki. Their significance cannot be fully understood or conveyed by AI, which lacks the lived experiences and cultural perspectives that are vital to these narratives. To ensure equitable access to Wabanaki studies education for all schools, these materials can be copied and distributed in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, in educational spaces only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator(s).
Backpack Project
The Backpack Project gathers the most requested Wabanaki Studies resources into one place — repositories, curriculum guides, microcourses, and frameworks to support meaningful, sustained integration of Wabanaki Studies across K-12.
A central repository providing curated resources, guides, and tools to support the integration of Indigenous literature into classroom instruction. The content is organized into several key areas:
- Literary Collections & Bibliography: book guides, book lists, comprehensive bibliographies, and pricing information for book kits.
- Discussion & Engagement Tools: resources for facilitating circle discussions, professional presentations on Indigenous reading, and bookstore connections.
- Instructional Guides & Pedagogical Resources.
Structured into two main categories:
- Educator Guides: targeted pedagogical support across levels — grade-level specific, subject-specific guides, specialized topics, thematic guides and a High School Survey Course.
- Resources: organized by content area — Science, Social Studies, Literacy, STEAM, Numeracy, Art, Language, and general Geography.
Includes a link to the DOE Wabanaki Studies Curriculum Standards spreadsheet for alignment reference.
Six online microcourses are available free to all educators in what is now called Maine. Educators begin with the Wabanaki Studies: Essential Topics for Teaching & Learning microcourse on EnGiNE, then choose from five others. Each takes around 8-10 hours of self-paced learning to complete. Contact hours available.
- Wabanaki Worldview: Understanding the Importance and Implications of Relationships
- Empowering Wabanaki Studies Educators at All Levels
- History of Dawnland, Part 1
- History of Dawnland, Part 2
- Teaching Climate Education Across Wabanaki Homelands
A comprehensive, living resource to help educators meaningfully integrate Wabanaki Studies into PK-12 curriculum. It aims to move schools beyond superficial or tokenistic efforts toward deep, structural integration that honors Wabanaki Nations as sovereign peoples. Key components:
- Essential Understandings
- Curriculum Mapping
- Instructional Best Practices
The Framework is a starting point for districts to create their own locally tailored plans, emphasizing that because Wabanaki perspectives are diverse, there is no single "right" way to teach this material — only a need for continued learning and respectful engagement.
A quick-reference guide for educators to navigate Wabanaki Studies resources at the Maine DOE, offering a concise overview of the most highly requested resources.
The Maine Department of Education Wabanaki Studies website. This material represents a continuing collaborative effort between the Wabanaki Nations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, districts, and other organizations. Resources included here are not comprehensive or definitive, but rather represent high-quality materials that are widely available.
MOOSE Modules & Resources
Wabanaki Studies Learning Progression
- Grade PK-2
- This module introduces the five Wabanaki Nations and their languages. Learners will gather a better understanding of the people that lived here first and that they are still a strong, vibrant part of what is now called Maine.
- What Do You Know About Wabanaki Languages?
- Grades 3-5
- This module explores writers, storytellers, basket makers, and other artists that are using their voice to bring awareness to environmental issues that the Wabanaki Nations face today. Students will be empowered with the tools they gain to use their own voice to encourage others to better care for the spaces around them.
- The Wabanaki and the Environment: Learning to Use My Voice Through Activism Today
- Grades 6-8
- In this module learners will increase their own awareness of becoming a steward of our water while conserving and preserving our planet’s water supply, especially in what is now called Maine.
- Wabanaki Stewardship: Our Relationship with Water
- Grades 9-12
- In these four modules, students will take a deeper dive into topics that affect us all and reflect on how we can all work together.
- The Art of Allyship: Partnering with Wabanaki Conservationists for a Better Tomorrow
- Celebrating Community: Wabanaki Communities, Resiliency, and Advocacy
- Wabanaki Homelands: Culture & Identity
- Wabanaki Artists
Additional Resources
- Indigenous Books (Recommended and Ones to Avoid)
- Indigenous Peoples Day Resources
- Thanksgiving Resources
- Land Acknowledgement Resources
- Grade PK-2: What Do You Know About the Wabanaki and Their Languages?
- Grade 3-5: The Wabanaki and the Environment: Learning to Use My Voice Through Activism Today
- Grade 6-8: Wabanaki Stewardship: Our Relationship with Water
- Grade 9-12: Celebrating Community: Wabanaki Communities, Resiliency, and Advocacy
- Grade 9-12: The Art of Allyship: Partnering with Wabanaki Conservationists for a Better Tomorrow
- Grade 9-12: Wabanaki Homelands: Culture & Identity
- Grade 9-12: Wabanaki Artists
Contact
Brianne Lolar, Panawahpskek Citizen
Wabanaki Studies Specialist
Email: Brianne.Lolar@maine.gov