Final Report of the
Wabanaki Studies Commission

Submitted Pursuant to LD 291 to:

Maine Department of Education
Maine Indian Tribal State Commission
University of Maine System
Aroostook Band of Micmacs
Houlton Band of Maliseets
Passamaquoddy Tribe
Penobscot Nation

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Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission

Table of Contents

Page

Acknowledgements

Section 1. Introduction

1

            A. Overview

            B. Significance of Law

            C. Purpose of Report
            D. Recommendations
            E. Organization of Report
Section 2. The Law

2

             A. Wabanaki Studies Required
             B. Commission Created; Responsibilites
             C. Implementation Steps
Section 3. The Commission and Its Work

3

             A. Members; Staff
             B. Supporting Organizations
             C. Meetings
             D. Vision
             E. Concentrated Areas of Study
             F. Relationship of Wabanaki Studies to Learning Results
             G. Importance of Assessment
             H. Materials and Resources for Teachers
             I. Professional Development
            J. Commission's Next Steps
Section 4. Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute

7

             A. Purpose
             B. Who Was Involved
             C. Activities and Syllabus
             D. Feedback on Institute
Section 5. Recommendations and Action Steps

8

             A. Eight Recommendations
             B. Action Steps for Wabanaki Studies Commission
             C. Action Steps for Department of Education
             D. Action Steps for the University of Maine System
             E. Action Steps for the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission
             F. Action Steps for the Tribes
Attachments
             1. Public Law 2001, Chapter 403 15
             2. Members of the Wabanaki Studies Commission 17
             3. Summary of Meetings of Wabanaki Studies Commission 19
             4. Vision of Wabanaki Studies Commission 21
             5. Concentrated Areas of Study 23
             6. The Culture Circle 31
             7. Preliminary Wabanaki Studies Resource List 33
             8. Work Plan for Wabanaki Studies Commission 41
             9. Résumés of Wabanaki Scholars 43
            10.Schedule for Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute 63

                                                                                              

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Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission

Acknowledgements

The Wabanaki Commission would like to acknowledge the contributions and support of several individuals and organizations. fist and foremost, the Commission thanks and honors Penobscot Tribal Representative Donna Loring for having the vision to introduce LD 291 (An Act to Require Teaching of Maine Native American History and Culture in Maine's Schools) and for having the skill and persistence to guide this bill successfully through the legislative process.

The Commission recognizes and appreciates the cash and in-kind support it has received from the University of Maine System, the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission, and the Maine Department of Education. It could not have functioned without the support of these organization.

The Commission also thanks the local school administrative units that have supported participation by their teachers or staff who are Commission members, Allowing these teachers and staff time away from their own schools enables schools from throughout Maine to benefit.

The Commission is especially grateful for the contributions of the four federally recognized Tribes in Maine---the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation. Their support of their representatives on the Commission and their feedback on drafts of the Concentrated Areas of Study and on this report have been especially crucial, because Wabanaki perspectives are essential to effective Wabanaki Studies in classrooms throughout Maine.

The Commission is especially grateful for the contributions of the four federally recognized Tribes in Maine---the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation. Their support of their representatives on the Commission and their feedback on drafts of the Concentrated Areas of Study and on this report have been especially crucial, because Wabanaki perspectives are essential to effective Wabanaki Studies in classrooms throughout Maine.

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Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission

Section 1. Introduction

A. Overview

LD 291 (An Act to Require Teaching of Maine Native American History and Culture in Maine's Schools) was sponsored by Penobscot Tribal Representative Donna Loring, Passed by the 120th Maine Legislature, and signed into law in June 2001 as Maine Public Law 2001, Chapter 403 (Attachment 1). The law that was enacted---referred to as LD291 in this report---requires public schools to teach about Maine's native peoples (the Wabanaki) in grades K-12. To help prepare for implementation, LC 291 created a 15-member Wabanaki Studies Commission (Attachment 2.) The law also required the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) to convene the first meeting of the Wabanaki Studies Commission and to arrange for staffing. Meeting approximately monthly since October 2001, the Wabanaki Studies Commission has identified areas of study that should be covered in grades K-12; reviewed existing materials and resources about the Wabanki that could be used int he classroom; and made connections with museums and other community resources that can support teachers.

The Wabanaki Studies Commission and the Native Studies Program at the University of Maine planned and held the first-ever Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute for teachers during the week of June 23, 2003. Two-dozen teachers from all grade levels and from throughout the State attended. Four Wabanaki Scholars and several Wabanaki community members taught the teachers and the Penobscot Nation invited the teachers to Indian Island for a traditional meal and to learn about Penobscot tribal agencies and programs.

The Legislature enacted LD 291 without any appropriation. Several contributors (MITSC, the Department of Education, the University of Maine System, the Tribes, and private donors) have pitched in voluntarily to support the work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission. Because the law specifies that Wabanaki studeis is a required component of Maine Studies, local school administrative units are required to weave this into their Maine Studies curriculum and to cover costs within their local school budgets. Thus, in the long run there is a sustainable mechanism for financing Wabanaki studies in Maine's schools. However, school systems and teachers need support to help prepare for this significant change.

B. Significance of Law

Most of the people of Maine have little awareness of the Wabanaki---the people who have been living here for 12,000 years. LC 291's significance is that it reaches educators and students in grades K-12 in public schools throughout Maine. It is the responsibility of the Wabanaki Studies Commission to identify materials and resource and suggest sample lesson plans that are accurate, culturally appropriate, grade level appropriate, and congruent with the Learning Results. Greater understanding, respect, and appreciation for the Wabanaki are the expected results as more and more students learn about the Wabanaki in the years to come. Maine is leading the way in the nation by requiring public schools to teach students about the contemporary issues, culture, and history of the State's native peoples.

C. Purpose of Report

The Wabanaki Studies Commission is required to submit this final report to the Commissioner of Education, with a copy to MITSC, by September 1, 2003. The report explains the Commission's process and includes recommendations and action steps to help school administrative units implement the law. Many of the recommendations and action steps focus on the Department, because it is responsible for the implementation of LD 291. However, the Department needs the support of others to help local school administrative units meet the requirements of the law. Thus, the report also includes recommendations and actions steps for the Department's public partners in this endeavor---the University of Maine System, the Tribes, and MITSC.

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D. Recommendations

The Wabanaki Studies Commission offers eight major recommendations to implement LD 291, which are presented below. Section 7 of this report recommends the action steps that each partner in this endeavor will need to take in order to carry out the eight recommendations. E. Organization of Report

This first section of the final report provides an overview of LD291 and the process that followed its enactment, the significance of the law, and the major recommendations flowing from that process. Section 2 reviews the law and Section 3 summarizes the work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission. This includes the Commission's development of the Concentrated Areas of Study, as well as their discussion about resources and training that teachers will need to implement the law. Section 4 shares the highlights of the first-ever Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute held for Maine teachers. Section 5 describes the plan---in the form of action steps---that the Department of Education and its supporting partners should take to implement the Commission's recommendations.

Section 1. The Law

A. Wabanaki Studies Required

LD 291 requires Maine schools to teach Maine Native American Studies (referred to in this report as Wabanaki Studies) by school year 2004-2005. The underlying purpose of LD 291 is to educate Maine's school children about---and increase the public's understanding of---the Wabanaki people of Maine. As a required component of Maine Studies, Wabanaki Studies must address the following topics:

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B. Commission Created; Responsibilities

LD 291 creates the 15-member Maine Native American History and Culture Commission, now referred to as the Wabanaki Studies Commission. The Commission's mission is to help prepare for the inclusion of Wabanaki Studies as part of Maine Studies taught in Maine's schools. The law requires the Commission to:
  • Assist school administrative units and educators to explore a wide range of educational materials and resources relating to Wabanaki Studies;
  • Identify materials and resources for implementing Wabanaki Studies;
  • Involve other knowledgeable organization and individuals able and willing to assist with this work, including but not limited to museums and educators;
  • Recommend a plan about how the Department can help school administrative units implement the law and criteria to identify units having difficulty meeting the instructional components of the law.
  • Submit a preliminary report in early June 2002.
  • Submit a final report by September 1, 2003 to the Commissioner of Education, with a copy to MITSC, including the recommended plan for how the Department can help school administrative units implement the law and criteria to identify units having difficulty.

C. Implementation Steps

If a local school administrative unit determines that it is unable to implement instruction in Wabanaki Studies within existing state and local resources, it must present its findings and supporting evidence to the Department of Education. The Department must review the findings and evidence and, if necessary, assist the unit with planning for implementation. The Department must establish a plan by July 30, 2004 for assistance for the local school administrative units that are not able to implement Wabanaki Studies. This plan must be implemented during the 2004- 2005 school year.

Section 3. The Commission and Its Work

A. Members; Staff

The Wabanaki Studies Commission includes the following members:

  • The Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Arroostook Band of Micmacs each appointed two Commission members. As required by law, one of these members is a member of MITSC.
  • The Commissioner of Education appointed six members, including an elementary school teacher, a middle school teacher, a high school teacher, a curriculum director, a superintendent, andan employee of the Department of Education.
  • The Chancellor of the University of Maine System appointed one member.
The Commission is chaired by Maureen Smith, Ph.D. (Oneida), Director of Native American Studies at the University of Maine. James Eric Francis (Penobscot) provides part-time staff support under a contract with MITSC. MITSC also has provided staff support to the Commission.

B. Supporting Partners

The Legislature enacted LD 291 without any appropriation. MITSC, the Department of Education, the University of Maine, the Tribes, and private contributors all have pitched in voluntarily to support the work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission. Over the past two years,

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MITSC provided $6,000 in cash to the Commission; the Department contributed $6,000 to the Commission and committed another $2,000 for the Wabanaki Summer Institute; and the University of Maine contributed $35,000, including $5,000 for the Commission and $30,000 for the Summer Institute. All three organizations also have provided substantial in-kind support. 

The law requires the Commission to submit a final report by September 1, 2003. However, the
Commission can continue to play a significant role over the next year by providing advise and support regarding implementation efforts and by pursuing and securing grant funds to support the development and dissemination/delivery of resources and training for teachers. The Commission has asked all three partners to continue their financial and in-kind support during fiscal year 2004.

C. Meetings

Pursuant to the law, MITSC convened the first meeting of the Wabanaki Studies Commission on October 19, 2001 at the University of Maine in Orono and presided over the selection of the chairperson at this meeting. The Commission has met monther thereafter. Attachment 3 is a summary of the Commission's meetings.

D. Vision

During their early meetings, Commission members articulated a vision of what they hope will be happening ten years from now in Maine schools as a result of the implementation of LD 291. Their vision is included in Attachment 4. The Commission also identified a number of principles to guide Wabanaki Studies instruction:

  • There should be a focus on the present of the Wabanaki people, as well as on their past.
  • It is important to understand past and continuing contributions that the Wabanaki people make to Maine.
  • It is important to understand that there is diversity among the four Tribes in Maine.
  • Thorough study about the Wabanaki people involves consideration of ethical issues. It is important to make it sage to discuss stereotypes, racism, genocide, and other things that make people feel uncomfortable.
  • Wabanaki Studies should be infused throughout Maine Studies.
  • Wabanaki people must be involved centrally in designing curricula and in teaching about Wabanaki Studies. It is important to compensate Wabanaki people for their involvement in educating others.
  • Teaching Wabanaki Studies should occur using a kaleidoscope of teaching approaches in a culturally competent manner both in and beyond the classroom.
  • Training and support are essential to enable non-Native teachers to provide accurate, culturally competent information about the Wabanaki people.
E. Concentrated Areas of Study

Members of the Wabanaki Studies Commission devoted much of their time to discussions about what Maine students should understand about the Wabanaki people. They approached this by looking at what should be taught and learned in each of the four topics specified in LD 291 (Maine tribal governments, culture and history, territories and economic systems). What emerged
from these discussions was an outline of topics to be taught and learned that the Commission refers to as the Concentrated Areas of Study (CAS). Included in Attachment 5, the CAS is an evolving list of topics. Continuing work is needed to make the CAS clearer and more user friendly for teachers.

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During discussions about what students should understand, Commission members identified a number of teaching and learning issues to keep in mind:

  • There tends to be an over-emphasis on artifacts in teaching about the Wabanaki people. The Wabanaki people and their culture are more than pretty, interesting objects.
  • History sometimes tends to be a conglomeration of events and dates. It needs to come alive.
  • Wabanaki Studies can challenge the notion that the victors write the history.
  • It is important for students to learn how to identify ethnic and cultural perspectives missing from historical accounts and to describe these points of view.
  • The "culture circle" (Attachment 6) is an excellent model for looking at culture as an integrated whole, not as bits and pieces. Culture is a huge concept.
  • It is safe to discuss some things about culture, but not others. Some parts of culture are private and spiritual.
  • Everyone has a culture. Learning about another culture helps students understand their own culture.
  • The issues of reality and authenticity are especially critical for culture.
  • Simulations can be used to begin to understand complexities
  • Stories can be used to teach about the Wabanaki people.
The Commission's recommendations relating to curriculum are included in Section 5, Subsections BC, C4, C5, D3, and E4. 

F. Relationship of Wabanaki Studies to Learning Results

 In 1995, the Maine Legislature enacted and the Governor signed into law landmark legislation establishing the system of Learning Results to be applied throughout the public school system in Maine (Public Law 1995, Chapter 629). According to State of Maine Learning Results, a 1997 document by the Maine Department of Education, Learning Results---

  • Identify the knowledge and skills essential to prepare student for work, higher education, citizenship, and personal fulfillment.
  • Are built on three premises: 1) all students should aspire to high levels of learning 2) achievement should be assessed in a variety of ways; and 3) completion of public school should have common meaning throughout Maine.
  • Express what students should know and be able to do at checkpoints during their education.
  • Serve as a focal point to develop consensus on common goals for Maine education, but do not represent a curriculum.
  • Are guided by six key principles---each Maine student must leave school as a: 1) a clear and effective communicator, 2) a self-directed and life-long learner, 3) a creative and practical problem-solver, 4) a responsible and involved citizen, 5) a collaborative and quality worker, and 6) an integrative and informed thinker.
Because every Maine school must build its curriculum based on Learning Results, it is really important to link Wabanaki Studies to Learning Results. The Wabanaki Studies Commission decided to form its own vision first and then figure out how to plug the content into Learning
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Results. They felt that Learning Results should not drive Wabanaki Studies, but should be used to ensure the broadest possible implementations.

Members of the Wabanaki Studies Commission expressed concerns about the lack of Native perspective in the development of Learning Results, the omission of important areas relating to the Wabanaki people, and the inclusion of culturally insensitive suggestions (for example, encouraging students to do a Native dance or other simulations.) they appreciate the Department of Education's understanding of their concerns and receptivity to their suggestions.

G. Importance of Assessment

The Commission felt that to measure the success of the implementation of LD 291, it is essential to assess what teachers are teaching and what students are learning about Wabanaki Studies. This needs to occur at the state level (e.g. by weaving Wabanaki Studies into the Learning Results and by asking questions about it on the MEA's) and at the local level (e.g. through assessments developed by local school administrative units).

The Commission's recommendations relating to assessment are included in Section 5, Subsections B7 and D7. 

H. Materials and Resources for Teachers

The Commission discovered that there is a wealth of Wabanki-related material scattered around in many places, and many Wabanaki people are potentially available to participate directly in the Wabanaki Studies initiative. The Commission has gathered an initial set of written and visual materials that can support teaching and learning about the CAS. The Commission urges the Department of Education and the University of Maine System to make these materials readily available to local school administrative units. The Commission also has identified tools for assessing the correctness, appropriateness, and authenticity of materials for use in the classroom and has been gathering sample units of learning and lesson plans. The Commission urges the Department to make these tools and samples available to teachers. In the coming year, the Commission plans to continue gathering and reviewing materials and resources and making exemplary materials and resources available for distribution to teachers. A preliminary Wabanaki Studies resource list is included as Attachment 7

The Commission believes that the most cost effective means of providing information about the Wabanakis to teachers is through Wabanaki Studies Website. To create this Website, the University of Maine can build on the electronic bulletin board assembled by the Native Studies Program for the Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute that was held in June 2003 (see Section 5). The Website should include such items as an overview of LD291, the Concentrated areas of Study developed by the Commission, reports by the Commission, A Wabanki Studies resource list to support teachers, sample lesson plans, syllabi, original documents such as treaties, maps of tribal lands, information about speakers and resource people (including how to approach and contact them and the need to reimburse them), notes and tips to teachers about teaching Wabanaki Studies, and links to other helpful websites.

The Commision's recommendations relating to materials and resources are included in Section 5,  in subsections B8, C6,E2, and F3.

I. Professional Development

Commission members have noted that there is a tendency to look at Wabanaki Studies primarily as a cognitive activity. However, the fact that there are many feelings and emotions that are part of this reinforces the importance of teacher training and other means of supporting teachers in the classroom. There is a strong interest in having Wabanaki people themselves teach Wabanaki Studies, but there are not enough Native people to go around to all the schools in Maine. Furthermore, Commission members believe that Wabanaki Studies needs to be a fundamental component of the curriculum, which only a classroom teacher can teach. This further underscores the importance of teach training. Commission members strongly believe that both

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pre-service training and in-service training are essential to the successful implementation of LD 291. It is critically important for training to be institutionalized and ongoing.

The Commission's recommendations relating to professional development are included in Section 5, in subsections B9, C7, D2, and F3.

J. Commission's Next Steps

LD 291 required the Wabanaki Studies Commission to complete its final report by September 1, 2003. The Commission completed a draft by this date, and then the Chair and staff met with major stakeholders to get feedback before submitting this final version. They met with the Commissioner of Education, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maine System, MITSC, and representative of each of the Tribes.

Much work remains to be done to implement LD 291 throughout the State. Thus, one of the recommendations of the Wabanaki Studies Commission is that it should continue working for at least another year. Attachment 8 is a work plan to guide the Commission over the next 9 months as it supports the efforts of the Department of Education to comply with LD 291.

Section 4. Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute

A. Purpose

The Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute was held at the University of Maine campus from June 23 through June 27, 2003. It was specifically designed to improve implementation of LD 291 by training a core group of two dozen educators to serve as a local first point of contact about Wabanaki Studies and by providing a rich professional development opportunity to improve teaching and learning in Wabanaki Studies.

B. Who Was Involved

The University of Maine's Native American Studies Program organized the Summer Institute on behalf of the Wabanaki Studies Commission. Co-sponsors included the University of Maine's Division of Lifelong Learning, Libra Professorships, Mainstay, MITSC, and the Department of Education.

Featured presenters included Marie Batistte (Micmac), Professor of Education; Dan Paul (Micmac), author, Bernard Perley (Maliseet), Professor of Anthropology; and Darren Ranco (Penobscot), Professor of Anthropology. Résumés for these Wabanaki scholars are included in Attachment 9. In addition, several members of Maine's tribal communities served as invaluable resource people. The Institute students included primarily K-12 educators who will be teaching Wabanaki Studies or are involved with the education of Wabanaki students. They received college credit or continuing education units for their participation.

C. Activities and Schedule

Summer Institute activities included a thorough Training in Wabanaki culture, contemporary issues and concerns, and history through sessions involving many Wabanaki participants and guest speakers; a visit to the Penobscot Nation reservation in Oldtown; sharing resources and best practices; discussing model programs; and participating in a public forum about the implementation of LD 291. The schedule for the Institute is included as Attachment 10.

D. Feedback on Institute

Sixteen participants completed an evaluation of the Summer Institute. Several people indicated that it was a privilege and an honor to participate in the Institute. Several stated that they were extremely impress with the quality of the Wabanaki scholars and presenters. Here are some of

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Several participants noted that the personal, human dimension of the week was critical to its effectiveness. They said it was very helpful to have Wabanaki scholars and community members participate on the panels and in small group discussions. One person observed that "the panel of tribal members discussing culture was informative, touching, cross-gender, inter-generational, and put a human face on all of the previous discussions. This  a painful and humanizing it prevents distancing one's self or being overly 'academic' in digesting it all." Several participants commented that they really enjoyed visiting the Penobscot Nation and appreciated the Tribe's hospitality.

Participants also offered some suggestions, including the following:

Section 5. Recommendations and Action Steps

A. Eight Recommendations

As presented in Section 1 C, the Wabanaki Studies Commission offers eight recommendations to ensure the implementation  of LD 291. The law requires this report to include a plan about how the Department can help school administrative units implement the law. This plan is presented in the form of the action steps listed for the Department in Section 5B. While the Department is legally responsible for the implementation of LD 291, it needs assistance to do the job effectively. Thus Sections 5C-5F describe how the Wabanaki Studies Commission, the University of Maine System, the Tribes, and MITSC can continue to support initiative.

LD 291 specifies that this report should include criteria to identify local school administrative units having difficulty meeting the instructional components of Wabanaki Studies. The local units are supposed to inform the Department if they are not able to comply with the law, and the Commission strongly believes that with the resources it has identified to support teaching and learning relating to Wabanaki Studies,  all school administrative units in Maine can comply with LD 291. The Commission could think of no criteria that would legitimately exempt a local unit from meeting the requirement of the law.

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B. Action Steps for Department of Education

The Department of Education should carry out the following action steps to ensure the implementation of LD 291:

1. By November 15, 2003, send a formal notification to every local school administrative unit about the requirements of the law, including a copy of the final report by the Wabanaki Studies Commission. Inform the local units about funding sources to support teacher training and resources relating to Wabanaki Studies, such as---

2. By January 12, 2004, require local school administrative units to explain how they plan to comply with the law and to notify the Department if they are not able to comply with the law. Determine how to help those reporting that they are "not able to comply" to comply.

3. Request a new position at the Department of Education in the State's biennial budget for FY 2004 and FY 2005 to coordinate the implementation of Maine Native American Studies. Meanwhile, assign a Department staff person to serve as the consultant to the local school administrative units about the law and to serve on and support the work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission.

4. Require local school administrative units to submit an annual implementation plan by May 1 of each year that includes goals that are consistent with the requirements of LD 291 and a description of how they will meet the goals.

5. Continue to work in partnership with the University of Maine System and MITSC to---

6. With regards to curriculum---

7. With regard to assessment---

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8. With regard to resources to support teaching and learning about Wabanaki Studies---

9. With regard to professional development--- 10. Inform the media about efforts to prepare teachers and local school administrative units for the implementation of LD 291. Highlight local units that are particularly successful in and committed to their implementation efforts.

C. Action Steps for Wabanaki Studies Commission

The Wabanaki Studies Commission should carry out the following action steps to support the implementation of LD 291:

1. Serve as the focal point for the ongoing steering process and meet at least quarterly to offer advice and assistance regarding the implementation of actions it has recommended.
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2. Continue to include as Commission members K-12 educators, a representative of the Department of Education, University of Maine System faculty, and representative of the four federally recognized Tribes of Maine. Invite other people who are seriously committed to the implementation of the law to participate in the Commission's committee work.

3. Organize a collaborative of organizations from throughout the State that have resources to support the implementation of LD291---

4. Continue to work in consultation with Department of Education, the University of Maine System, K-12 educators, and the tribal communities to simplify and refine the framework for the Wabanaki Studies curriculum (referred to as Concentrated Areas of Study)---

5. review lesson plans and identify exemplary plans to share with K-12 teachers. Provide exemplary plans to the Department of Education for distribution in electronic form to local school administrative units throughout Maine.

6. With regard to resources---

7. With regard to professional development---

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8. Engage in outreach efforts to get out the word about the implementation of LD291, including---

D. Action Steps for the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System should carry out the following action steps to support the implementation of LD 191:

1. Continue to work in partnership with the Department of Education and MITSC to---

2. With regard to professional development---
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3. Encourage and support faculty to engage in scholarly work relating to Wabanaki Studies, such as further the development/refinement of the Concentrated Areas of Study, figuring out how to infuse Wabanaki Studies throughout other course, and writing articles.

4. With regard to resources---

E. Action Steps for the Tribes

The Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation should carry out the following action steps to support the implementation of LD 291:

1. Continue to support the work of the Wabanaki Commission.

2. With regard to curriculum---

3. Encourage and support the development of regional collaboratives and resource centers.

4. Encourage the Department of Education, in collaboration with the University of Maine System and other higher education institutions, to develop a process that ensures, that pre-service and in-service teachers receive the training they need to teach Wabanaki Studies adequately.

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F. Action Steps for the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission

The Maine Indian Tribes-State Commission (MITSC) should carry out the following steps to support the implementation of LD 291.

1. Continue to work in partnership with the Department of Education, the University of Maine System, and the Tribes to support implementation.

2. Support the work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission through cash and in-kind contributions.

3. Help identify and apply for potential sources of public and private funding to help support the initial implementation, particularly resource development and professional development.

4. By June 1, 2004, assess the progress of the implementation of LD 291 and recommend actions that the Wabanaki Studies Commission, Department of Education, University of Maine, and the Tribes should take to help assure the timely and full implementation of the law.

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Attachment 1

PUBLIC LAWS OF MAINE
First Regular Session of the 120th

CHAPTER 403
H.P. 255 - L.D. 291

An Act to Require Teaching of Maine Native American
History and Culture in Maine's Schools

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

    Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA 4706, as amended by PL 1991, c. 655, §4, is further amended to read:

§4706.     Instruction in American history, Maine studies and Maine Native American history

    The following subjects shall be are required.

    1. American history.  American history and civil government, including the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the importance of voting and the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, shall must be taught in and required for graduation from all elementary and secondary schools, both public and private.

    2. Maine studies. A course in Maine history, including the Constitution of Maine, Maine geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage must be taught in at least one grade from grade 6 to grade 8, in all schools, both public and private. These concepts must be integrated into the curriculum in grades 9 to 12. A required component of Maine studies is Maine Native American studies addressing the following topics:

   Sec. 2. Maine Native American History and Culture Commission. The Maine Native American History and Culture Commission, referred to in this section as the "commission," is established to help prepare for the inclusion of Maine Native American history and culture into the required course in Maine studies as specified in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 4706, subsection 2.

    1. Membership. The commission consits of the following 15 members:

    A. Eight members selected by the tribal chiefs and governors of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houston Band of Maliseet Indians and the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. At least one of these members must be appointed to serve from the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission.

    B. Six members selected by the Commissioner of Education, including an elementary school teacher, a middle school teach, as high school teacher, a curriculum director, a superintendent or principal and an employee of the Department of Education; and;

    C. One member selected by the Chancellor of the University of Maine System.

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    2. Duties. The commission shall:

    A. Assist school administrative units and educators in the exploration of a wide range of educational materials and resources relating to Maine native American history and culture.

    B. Identify materials and resources for implementing Maine Native American history and culture; and 

    C. Involve other knowledgeable organizations and individuals able and willing to assist with this work, including but not limited to museums and educators.

    3. Convening the commission. No later than 30 days following the effective date of this Act, the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission and preside over the selection of a chair.

    4. Reporting. The commission shall report its findings to the Commissioner of Education for implementation and shall provide a copy to the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission, regarding:

    A. Educational materials that are appropriate to assist school administrative units and educators in the State to include Maine Native American history and culture into the required course in Maine studies; and

    B. Opportunities for professional development, training and technical assistance that must be provided to assist school administrative units and educators in the State in implementing Maine Native American history and culture into the required course in Maine studies.

    5. Staff assistance and resources. The Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission shall provide staffing assistance to the commission. Each entity appointing members to the commission shall reimburse its appointees to the commission for travel costs associated with participation in commission meetings and other activities of the commission. Each entity shall assist in identifying and securing resources to enhance the work of the commission.

    6. Implementation. The commission shall provide a preliminary report to the Commissioner of Education for dissemination to educators in the State by June1, 2002 and a final report by September1, 2003.

    As school administrative unit that determines that it is unable to implement instruction in Maine Native American Studies within existing state and local resources shall present its findings and supporting evidence to the Department of Education. The department shall review the findings and evidence and, if necessary, assist the unit in planning for implementation.

Effective September 21, 2001.

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Attachment 2

Wabanaki Studies Commission

Maureen Smith, Ph.D. Chair
(Oneida)
Native Studies Program, UM
Orono, ME
________________________
Barney Bérubé John Bear Mitchell
(Department of Education) (Penobscot)
Augusta, ME Wabanaki Center, UM
_____________________ Orono, ME
___________________
Roland Caron
(Superintendent) Wayne Newell
MSAD 32 (Passamaquoddy, MITSC Member)
Askland, ME Motahkmikuk
____________________ Princeton, ME
_____________________________
Sue Desiderio
(Maliseet) Christine Petersen
Houlton, ME (Elementary School Teacher
___________________ Gorham, ME
_________________________
Mark Alvater, Lt. Governor*
(Passamaquoddy) William Phillips, Jr. Chief
Sipayik (Micmac)
Perry, ME Presque Isle, ME
______________________ ______________________
Mary K. Griffith Judy Pusey, Curriculum Office
(Middle School Teacher) (Curriculum Coordinator)
Freeport, ME Bangor, ME
______________________ __________________________
Mark Halstead** Brian Reynolds
(High School Teacher) (Maliseet)
Orono, ME Houlton, ME
______________________ ___________________________
Bernard Jerome Rebecca Sockbeson
(Micmac) (Penobscot)
Presque Isle, ME Multicultural Student Affairs, USM
______________________ Portland, ME
____________________________

Staff

Diana Scully, Executive Director James Francis
(Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission) (Penobscot)
vantagept@adelphia.net James.Francis@umit.maine.edu
________________________________ ____________________________

 

*  Replacing Richard M. Doyle
** Replacing Gail Rae Carter

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Attachment 3

Summary of Meeting of
Wabanaki Studies Commission

The Wabanaki Studies Commission has held full-day meetings approximately once a month since its first meeting in October 2001. Commission members have discussed the following topics during these meetings.

During their October 19, 2001 organizational meeting, which was sponsored by the Native American Programs at the University, Commission members engaged in a  visioning exercise (how Maine's schools should be doing things differently in ten years); reviewed resources available and needed to support the work of the Commission; selected their chairperson; and began to discuss the operations of the Commission.

On November 5, 2001, Commission members reviewed a draft mission and vision statement for the Commission; shared their expectations about what the Commission will do; continued their dicsussion about operations (ground rules, process issues, possible subcommittees, and staff for the Commission) and identified a number of things that students should learn and really understand.

On December 10, 2001, they finalized their process for selecting a staff person. They also agreed to identify what should be taught and learned and what resources are needed to do this in each of the four topics identified in the law---tribal government, tribal culture and history, tribal territories, and tribal economics. They began with tribal territories, breaking down into small groups organized by grade level.

On January 8, 2002, Commission members discussed what should be taught and learned with regard to Wabanaki economic systems; shared a number of books and other resources that potentially could be helpful to teachers and students; and emphasized the importance of involving the Department of Education and tribal communities in this initiative.

There was no meeting in February because of snow. On March 4, 2002, Commission members and staff shared additional materials that potentially could be helpful to teachers and students; decided to participate in the March 11 State of the Tribes Day at the Maine Legislature; and continued the discussion of what should be tauaght and learned with regard to Wabanaki economic systems.

Commission members began their meeting of April 1-2, 2002 with a discussion about what they want each student to know about the Wabanaki people by the time he/she graduates from high school. They also discussed who should determine what is taught and they identified the need for ongoing commitments to the Wabanaki Studies Commission by the the Department of Education, the University of Maine, and the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission. In small groups organized by grade level, they discussed what should be taught and learned about tribal government, tribal history, and tribal culture. They also had an introductory conversation with Ruth Townsend, College of Education at the University of Maine in Orono, about the relevance of Maine's Learning Results to Maine Native American Studies.

On May 6, 2002, Commission members met with Connie Manter of the Maine Department of Education to further explore the relationship between the work of the Commission and Maine's Learning Results. Ms. Manter suggested a framework for organizing what should be taught and learned. Commission members also reviewed an outline for their preliminary report (due at the beginning of June 2002); began to discuss what they want to do in the coming months.

On June 6, 2002, Commission members met in Augusta with Commissioner Duke Albanese and Deputy Commissioner Judy Lucarelli of the Department of Education. Commissioner Albanese made the following comments:

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During the summer of 2002, an ad hoc working group of the Commission met two times to figure out how the learning Results could be linked to the concepts and information that students should know about the Wabanaki and to begin planning how to develop sample lesson plans for teachers.

On September 16, 2002, Commission members reviewed the summer's work, continued refining what should be taught and learned about the Wabanaki, and reviewed a draft request for proposals to get K-12 educators to help develop units of learning during a Summer Institute.

On October 7, 2002, Commission members discussed the Summer Institute, as well as the evaluation of educational resources. They also met with representatives of organizations with an interest in Wabanaki Studies, including the Abbe Museum, American Friends Service Committee, Hudson Museum, Kingfisher Productions, Maine Discovery Museum, Maine State Museum, Penobscot River Coalition, Tanglewood, and Tureen Productions.

During meetings of November 11, 2002; December 2, 2002; January 6, 2003; February 10, 2003; April 7, 2003; and Many 19, 2003, Commission members continued refining the Concentrated Areas of Study (what should be taught and learned about the Wabanaki), planning for the Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute, and discussing fund-raising for the Commission's activities and for implementation of LD 291.

Commission members met in August on April 7, 2003 and on May 19, 2003, where they continued their work on the Concentrated Areas of Study and the Summer Institute. On April 7, several members participated in Wabanaki Day at the Legislature prior to the meeting. On May 19, Susan Gendron, the new Commissioner of the Department of Education, had lunch with the Commission members. She expressed support for continuing to partner with the University of Maine System and MITSC with regard to the Commission and the implementation of LD 291.

During June 23-27, 2003, several Commission members and staff served as resource people and facilitators for the first-ever Wabanaki Studies Summer Institute held at the University of Maine.

On July 24, 2003 and August 14, 2004, Commission members turned their attention to their final report to the Department of Education due September 1, 2003. During the August meeting, they agreed that the Chair and staff should visit each tribal community to provide an opportunity for comments on the draft recommendations prior to submittal of the final report to the Department even though this means the final report will be submitted after the deadline.

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Attachment 4

Vision of Wabanaki Studies Commission

The members of the Wabanaki Studies Commission have the following vision of what will be happening ten years from now. In schools throughout Maine---

Students who have participated in Wabanaki Studies will---

Educators who teach Wabanaki Studies will--- Resources will be available to implement the law---
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Performance Assurance and Improvement. There will be ways to determine the effectiveness of the law's implementation---

 

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Attachment 5

 

 

Concentrated Area of Study (CAS)


(This list is not complete. Some items need to be refined)

 

 

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I. Introduction to Wabanaki

A. Who the Wabanaki are:

B. Why is important to study the Wabanaki?

C. Stereotypes

D. Wabanaki Contributions

II. Wabanaki Tribal Territories

A. Concepts of Wabanaki Lands (This deals more with the way the Wabanaki viewed the land. Traditional Lands deal with the actual land and its use.)

B. Traditional Lands

C. Impact of European/American Contact on Territories

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D. Contemporary Land Issues and Use

III. Wabanaki Tribal Governments and Political System

A. Traditional

B. Sovereign Nations

C. Impact of Contact on Governmental Systems

D. Contemporary Wabanaki Governments

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Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission

IV. Wabanaki Economic Systems

A. Traditional Economic Systems

B. Impacts of Contact on Economic Systems

C. Contemporary Wabanaki Economic Systems

V. Wabanaki History

A. Introductory Footnote

B. Traditional History

 

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C. Contact: Clash of Two Worlds

D. Colonial Period

E. Revolutionary Period

F. Interactions with the United States

G. Interactions with the State of Massachusetts and/or Maine

H. Survival

I. Self-determination

 

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VI. Wabanaki Culture

(this needs to be refined)

A. Worldview

B. Languages

C. Family

D. Land Ethics

E. Oral Traditions - Sacred Stories

F. Health Systems

G. Art

H. Government

I. Education

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J. Technology K. Science L. Economy M. Housing
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Attachment 6

All Cultures Circle*
Carol Cornelius

 

 

 

 

*All cultures have these componets

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Attachment 7

 

 

Preliminary Wabanaki Studies Resource List

 

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