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
October 2003
Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission
Page
| Acknowledgements | ||
| Section 1. Introduction |
1 |
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A. Overview |
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B. Significance of Law |
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| C. Purpose of Report | ||
| D. Recommendations | ||
| E. Organization of Report | ||
| Section 2. The Law |
2 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
October 2003
Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission
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.
Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission
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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Final Report of the Wabanaki Studies Commission
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.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.
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:
| October 2003 | Page 2 |
Back to Table of Contents
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: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.A. Members; Staff
The Wabanaki Studies Commission includes the following members:
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:
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.
| October 2003 | Page 4 |
During discussions about what students should understand, Commission members identified a number of teaching and learning issues to keep in mind:
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---
| October 2003 | Page 5 |
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.
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
| October 2003 | Page 7 |
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:
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---
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---
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.| October 2003 | Page 10 |
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---
| October 2003 | Page 11 |
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---
| October 2003 | Page 12 |
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---
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.
| October 2003 | Page 13 |
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.
| October 2003 | Page 14 |
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.
| October 2003 | Page 15 |
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.
| October 2003 | Page 16 |
Attachment 2
| 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
| October 2003 | Page 17 |
[blank page]
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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
Students who have participated in Wabanaki Studies will---
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(This list is not complete. Some items need to be refined)
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[blank page]
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B. Why is important to study the Wabanaki?
C. Stereotypes
D. Wabanaki Contributions
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
B. Sovereign Nations
C. Impact of Contact on Governmental Systems
D. Contemporary Wabanaki Governments
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A. Traditional Economic Systems
B. Impacts of Contact on Economic Systems
C. Contemporary Wabanaki Economic Systems
A. Introductory Footnote
B. Traditional History
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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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(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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Attachment 6

*All cultures have these componets
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[blank page]
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Attachment 7
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