New Audio Series Helps Integrate Indigenous Studies Into Oregon Classrooms

_In January 2020, the Oregon Department of Education will begin sharing Tribal History/Shared History curriculum as set forth by Oregon Senate Bill 13. As lesson plans become available, teachers and administrators can start preparing to integrate Indigenous Studies into their classrooms.

To jump-start these conversations, the Shared History Audio Series was launched to raise awareness among educators around the new curriculum and the importance of Indigenous Studies. The series also intends to explore fundamental concepts such as sovereignty and colonialism through the stories and experiences of Native people in their own voices.

The first episodes of the series explore big questions: What was the intention behind Senate Bill 13? What can it look like to teach Tribal History and Indigenous Studies as a white teacher? 

Each 10- to 15-minute episode is paired with a discussion guide. The series is designed to be used during staff meetings or professional learning community meetings to give educators an opportunity to learn from and with each other. 

The series’ creators are now looking for school partners that are willing to pilot one or two episodes and discussion guides. If you would like more information about the project or are interested in piloting it in your school, please reach out here.