Join educators Maggie Peters and Jen Soderfelt for a practical conversation about developing Indigenous-centered curriculum in California for the Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC). Jen will share the story behind her middle school unit, Yurok Land and the California State Parks, which introduces learners to Yurok history, connection to the land, and the relationship between the Yurok Tribe and California State Parks. Participants will examine how community relationships, local history, primary sources, and contemporary Indigenous perspectives create meaningful classroom experiences. Using Jen’s curriculum development process as a case study, participants will consider how educators can identify whose voices are missing from curriculum, build place-based learning experiences designed for an online resource, intentionally partner with members of the Tribal community, and create opportunities for students to critically examine the stories presented in educational and public spaces. Building from Jen's experience, Maggie will highlight broader best practices for developing culturally sustaining curriculum and introduce the California Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC) as a resource for educators seeking to expand and strengthen their social and ethnic studies instruction. Participants will leave with practical strategies for becoming truth tellers in their classrooms and communities, particularly when teaching histories and perspectives that have been overlooked, misrepresented, or excluded from traditional academic narratives. They will also gain familiarity with the NASMC website and learn how to navigate its extensive collection of TK–12 lessons and resources.
Featured Speakers
Maggie Peters (Yurok/Karuk)
Native American Studies and Culturally Sustaining Practices Learning Specialist Humboldt County Office of Education
Jen Soderfelt
California Global Education Project Fellow and Classroom/Outdoor Educator in Humboldt County Schools
Hosted by: The California Council for the Social Studies
Empowering educators
Engaging students
Strengthening democracy
