Representation Matters: The Importance of Teaching and Learning About Wisconsin First Nations 

By Jami Hoekstra Collins, Early Learning and Communications, PBS Wisconsin Education

For students and educators of all ages, having opportunities to learn about Tribal Nations’ histories, cultures, and tribal sovereignty is vitally important in understanding the stories of our communities, our state, and our world.  It’s also required by law through American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act 31). 

The Wisconsin Act 31 Coalition is here to support you and your educators with meaningful and authentic multimedia resources that are free to use on the Wisconsin First Nations Education website.

American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act 31) has requirements for public school districts as well as public and private universities and colleges to provide instruction on the histories, cultures, and sovereignty of American Indian Nations of Wisconsin at least three times in grades K-12. It is up to school boards and administrators to adopt standards and ensure these learning opportunities take place. Wisconsin educators and students need you as members of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) to share information and resources with your staff in learning and teaching about American Indian Studies.

David O’Connor, Education Consultant (American Indian Studies) for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, says, "It's best when educators can focus lessons on individual nations because they have different histories, cultures, tribal governments, constitutions, traditions, values, and customs.” He also emphasizes “teaching Native history throughout the academic year is better than limiting it to one holiday or one month.”

He advises educators to weave in contemporary topics, stories, and voices of Indigenous Nations and peoples throughout the curriculum. When he asks educators to name three famous Native Americans, teachers often falter and name only historical figures rather than First Nations people today. Representation matters.

The Wisconsin First Nations Education website and Wisconsin Act 31 Coalition partners offer free professional development, learning opportunities, and workshops for educators. At the recent SLATE conference participants were introduced to the Wisconsin First Nations website and new additions to well-loved collections, including The Ways, featuring contemporary stories from Great Lakes First Nations communities, and Re/sound: Songs of Wisconsin, celebrating contemporary Wisconsin musicians, their identities, and cultures. 

SLATE attendees received a curated list of PK -12 resources from PBS Wisconsin Education to provide continued learning and use in school spaces. These resources support educators and students through engaging learning opportunities around Indigenous Nations, cultures, and people in Wisconsin while meeting the state requirements of American Indian Studies (Wisconsin Act  31).