In a historic investment in Oregon’s education system, the Oregon Department of Education partnered with representatives from the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon to develop a shared vision for education in Oregon. These visioning efforts resulted in a K–12 curriculum that teaches students about the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. The curriculum also aims to build an inclusive, equitable and culturally responsive learning experience for all students, where diverse perspectives, especially those of Indigenous communities, are valued and integrated into the curriculum. Here are a few additional reasons why these lessons are important.

The lessons support Native students by centering their experiences in the classroom.
Integrating a Native American curriculum into content area learning benefits non-Native students by broadening their perspectives on others’ experiences.
The lessons contribute to a more informed, compassionate and socially responsible Oregon.
The lessons mitigate the harm caused to tribal nations by dismantling stereotypes and providing accurate information about Oregon Tribes and their history.
Tribes can gain support for tribal nation rebuilding and tribal sovereignty.

Step 1: Watch

Please watch one or two of these short videos to hear Indigenous Oregon educators talk about the significance of TH/SH lessons to students, Tribes and the future of Oregon.

Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

Nicole Butler-Hooton speaks about the importance of these lessons for students. Nicole is a Citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz & San Carlos Apache Tribe and Equity Coordinator at Bethel School District.

Nicole Butler-Hooton: The Importance of TH/SH Lessons for Students

(1:06 min, CC) - Transcript

Gillian Murr, a member of the Walla Walla Band of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla and Academic Director of Indian Education for Portland Public Schools, asks us to think about joy in relation to these lessons. As you watch the video, consider your own beliefs about Native Americans in Oregon.

Gillian Murr: Joy and the TH/SH Lessons

(1:01 min, CC) - Transcript

Jen Anderson, member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Native Education and Development TOSA at the Beaverton School District, speaks about the importance of these lessons to future generations.

Jen Anderson: The Importance of TH/SH Lessons for Future Generations

(1:18 min, CC) - Transcript

Step 2: Reflect

In your journal, reflect on the following question:

Which reasons are most compelling about why these lessons are important to you and your community?