Native collaboration
This is legislation-passing season in California. Governor Newsom took action on 1200 bills. A few he signed relate to teaching truth. One bill - 1703, requires districts to create a task force for developing accurate curriculum by collaborating directly with local tribes. But, as my friend Nancy asked, “Where is the funding for this?” Another bill - AB 1821, insists that curricular material include information about the removal and murder of the Indigenous people of California, particularly when Spanish colonization and the Gold Rush are taught. Another, AB 3074 bans the use of Native imagery in school logos or mascots. Our high school finally relented after students protested and switched from “The Indians” to “The Grizzlies” in 2019. People still wear t-shirts to football games that read, “Forever Indian.” These new laws underscore our the principles of progress toward a more human, ethical, balanced society. But the lack of detail around funding and accountability make me a bit worried they are words! Still, we will take them on these words and get our school districts to comply. Do you have a school district that has collaborated with Indigenous leaders and developed materials the school use? Do you want to encourage your school district to take part? Reach out!