As we begin the month of November, educators can highlight and honor the many contributions of Indigenous People who work tirelessly to conserve and protect our natural resources. As the observance of Native American Heritage Month begins, I encourage teachers to explore topics of conservation through and find ways to incorporate a different approach to learning about water and energy conservation in the classroom. Look at some of the resources listed below for inspiration!
When did Native American Heritage Month begin?
The U.S. Department of Interior provides an overview of the history of National Native American Heritage Month and identifies each year’s theme for November.
As a teacher, where can I receive professional learning?
The Outdoor Learning School and Store offers a virtual course from October–May each year titled, 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning. Participants will deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and strengthen connections with the local Land. Additionally, there are Indigenous language courses, outdoor learning courses, and free virtual workshops.
How can the Indigenous practice of storytelling be utilized to promote conservation?
Holistic storytelling practices are common among Indigenous communities to teach environmental science. In Indigenous Holistic Storytelling to Teach Environmental Science, learn more from Dr. Kristiina A. Vogt, Dr. Samantha De Abreu, and Dr. Maria Blancas from the University of Washington and their conceptual framework that stems from the community-based design of holistic environmental curricula.
Read an article, Indigenous storytelling is a new asset for biocultural conservation, from the University of Helsinki that “invites conservation practitioners to tap into the art of storytelling to revitalize the biocultural heritage of indigenous peoples.”
How can students learn about Indigenous climate activism and conservation efforts?
An Indigenous-led organization, Indigenous Climate Action,works to inspire action through the development of tools and opportunities to uplift Indigenous voices, sovereignty, and stewardship of the lands and waters. Search ‘Our Pathways’ under the tab ‘What We Do’ for a variety of resources for high school students to explore and learn about Indigenous-led activism.
The Solutions Project was founded in 2013 by Marco Krapels, Mark Jacobson, and Mark Ruffalo (yes, the actor) with the belief that clean energy benefits the social good and increases racial equity. The organization’s goal is 100% renewable energy for 100% of the people. The Solutions Project supports Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities in their efforts to amplify climate justice solutions. Have students check out the ‘100% Renewable Energy Vision’ under the tab, ‘What We Do.’
KUA is a community-based initiative for protecting, restoring, and caring for Hawai’i. The organization works with government agencies and communities toward restoring Hawai’i communities as the caretakers of their lands and waters.
What are the Rights of Nature?
The Indigenous Environmental Network states that The Rights of Nature is the fastest growing environmental justice movement in the world with laws in over 30 countries. Dive into topics like environmental law, government, and civil rights with your students to discuss the impact of the Rights of Nature on communities, businesses, and the environment.
What are some lessons that I can include in my classroom for Native American Heritage Month?
The Indigenous STEAM Collaborative offers resources for educators, communities, and families. Topics include water, birds, plants, and food.
The Water Walker: Indigenous Wisdom and Water Contamination from TeachRock is a lesson designed for middle school students and includes videos, activities, and a scientific experiment.
Author Jaime Black created the learning package, ‘Water is Life,’ from Learning for a Sustainable Future, as an extension of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map. Follow the instructions on the site to download the resource.
Experiment: Water Filtration and Conservation with Indigenous Storytelling
Fifth-grade students will read about the importance of water and water conservation through Indigenous stories and then participate in a water filtration experiment.
I hope you find these resources helpful! I encourage you and your students to continue to explore Indigenous ways of knowing and learning about conservation throughout the school year.