An Alternative Approach to Land Run Reenactments
A 2014 listening tour sponsored by the White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education brought up concerns about Land Run reenactments from Native families and prompted OKCPS to revisit how teachers should educate students about Oklahoma history in a more intentional, inclusive manner. Thanks to departments like OKCPS NASS, there are now resources teachers and families can utilize to teach about events like the Land Run that center the Indigenous experience. “We recognized that our schools still have to teach about the Land Run from all perspectives, so we asked ourselves, ‘What can we do to support our teachers?’” said Dr. Star Yellowfish, director of OKCPS NASS. OKCPS NASS developed the downloadable booklet “From Trails to Truths: A Resource Booklet for Teachers,” available on the OKCPS website. The booklet includes recommended books, tips, lesson plans and activities and can be used in classrooms, as a homeschool resource or by families seeking an inclusive history of Indigenous people in Oklahoma. Dr. Yellowfish and Werito have also developed a week-long educational program they offer to schools throughout the district. The program teaches Native American history to third graders and covers topics such as pre-European contact, Native
removal, the land runs and Oklahoma statehood. Students also participate in hands-on activities and can watch the OKCPS Resonative Youth Dance Troupe perform Native cultural dances, showcasing the modern day beauty and immeasurable value of Native culture in our world today. Dr. Yellowfish, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians of Oklahoma, acknowledges that some teachers may have intentions of teaching more about Native American culture but may not know where to begin or fear being offensive. “We suggest teachers call us at OKCPS,” advised Dr. Yellowfish. “Have courage and use the lesson plans we have developed in our booklet. I understand where teachers are coming from. Even I get concerned sometimes about giving the wrong information and I am Native myself.” OKCPS has also developed a summer teacher training, taking place over two- and-a-half days where roughly 40 teachers can receive Oklahoma/Native American History 101 training. The first half of the day is dedicated to a lecture and the afternoon is devoted to projects. Native food and customs are also integrated into the course. While Native history is a crucial part of Oklahoma’s past, it’s also important for teachers and families to underscore that Indigenous people, culture and traditions are present and flourishing throughout schools and communities today.
LEARN ABOUT METRO LIBRARY’S INDIGENOUS STORYTIME ON PAGE 27.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAR-APR 2021 17
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