Benefits of Teaching Wabanaki Studies

Schools and districts are responsible for implementing Wabanaki Studies at all grade spans.  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 cultures,
• 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 an “add on”.  

 

 

 

 

6/3/09 -pb