#Indigenous Education

[chaos-in-one]

“If you aren’t at least -insert percentage- indigenous you can’t say you’re indigenous”

Shut up forever and stop re-enforcing the exact shit colonizers wanted to happen to indigenous people!!! They WANTED to thin us out so they could separate us from each other and our identities and culture as much as possible! Don’t fucking help them do that! Same with if you treat indigenous people who are disconnected from or know very little about their heritage and/or culture as less indigenous or not indigenous at all! This was done to us on purpose, you are spreading the exact same mindset and wishes of colonists!

[stargiirl27]

In honor of the holiday season I encourage you to donate to The National Indigenous Resource Center, whose mission is to end violence against Native women. NIWRC provides educational resources and policy development for tribal nations. If you can, take the time to read from their resource library and learn more about the cause! Happy holidays!

https://www.niwrc.org/donate

[theculturalvacuum]

Our Common Ground

From Natural Curiosity, 2nd Edition, by Doug Anderson, Julie Comay, and Lorraine Chiarotto (pg. 9)

“Perhaps what is needed is a ‘reconciliation pedagogy,’ a recovery of relationships, an encounter that brings all of us together as co-creators of our children’s survival.”

[gpstudios]

Honoring Indigenous Peoples Day: Celebrating Culture, History, and Resilience

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day by honoring the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the world. Discover meaningful ways to observe the day, from learning about Indigenous cultures to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives.

Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on August 9th, is a day dedicated to honoring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities, while also acknowledging the injustices they have faced and continue to face. As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, it’s an…

[2manyplants]

Tabling today for CNPS/TreePeople at the Anahuacalmecac restoration event!

[tsutli]

What does it mean when a university values a tribe’s knowledge, intelligence, and culture – to the extent of preserving its baskets, songs, and human remains – but it will not admit or enroll the descendants of these tribes?

– Theresa Stewart-Ambo (Tongva). (2021, June). “We can do better”: University leaders speak to tribal-university relationships. American Educational Research Journal, 58(3), 459-491.

[digitalinteractionspsych]

Breaking Barriers: Supporting Youth Mental Health in Schools

Introduction: Why Mental Health in Schools Matters

Imagine a high school student sitting at their desk, trying to focus as waves of anxiety crash over them. They’re not alone. Recent studies reveal that nearly 1 in 5 students experiences mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, with these issues worsening in the wake of the pandemic (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

Schools are more than academic institutions—they are environments where students develop socially and emotionally. Yet many educational systems fail to address the pressing issue of mental health. This blog explores systemic barriers, highlights potential solutions, and emphasizes the importance of creating supportive school environments, especially for marginalized populations.

The Impact of Mental Health on Education

Mental health challenges are deeply intertwined with a student’s ability to succeed in school, both academically and socially.

Academic Consequences:

Students with untreated mental health challenges often experience difficulty concentrating, increased absenteeism, and declining grades.

Statistic: Over 50% of students with significant mental health challenges drop out of high school (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2023).

Social Consequences:

Anxiety and depression strain peer relationships, leading to isolation and low self-esteem.

Marginalized groups, such as Indigenous youth, face compounded struggles due to systemic inequities and cultural disconnection (Sabzalian, 2018).

Sabzalian’s (2018) concept of "survivance" captures the resilience of Indigenous students navigating educational systems that often fail to support their cultural identities. For these students, the mental health crisis exacerbates feelings of exclusion, making targeted interventions crucial.

Barriers to Addressing Mental Health in Schools

Despite the growing awareness of youth mental health, several systemic barriers prevent schools from offering effective support:

1. Resource Limitations:

Many schools lack funding to hire counselors, psychologists, and other professionals.

Statistic: Only 22% of schools meet the recommended student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1 (American School Counselor Association [ASCA], 2023).

2. Cultural Insensitivity:

Indigenous and marginalized students often encounter mental health programs that fail to address their unique cultural needs, limiting the effectiveness of these initiatives (Sabzalian, 2018).

3. Stigma Surrounding Mental Health:

Cultural stigma, especially in underserved communities, discourages students from seeking help and families from discussing mental health challenges.

4. Insufficient Training for Educators:

Teachers are often unprepared to recognize signs of mental health struggles, leaving many students unsupported.

These barriers demand systemic reform to ensure schools are prepared to address the diverse needs of their students.

Real Stories: The Power of Sharing Experiences

To understand the real-world impact of these barriers, the PBS documentary "Kids in Crisis: You’re Not Alone" provides a powerful lens. Through the journeys of four teens, this documentary highlights the struggles of youth dealing with anxiety, depression, and systemic challenges in seeking help.

Their stories emphasize the urgent need for schools to provide culturally relevant, accessible, and stigma-free mental health support.

Solutions: What Schools Can Do

There are actionable steps schools can take to better support students’ mental health:

1. Expand Access to Mental Health Professionals:

Schools must hire more counselors, social workers, and psychologists to meet recommended ratios and provide consistent support.

2. Integrate Mental Health Literacy into Curricula:

Embedding mental health education normalizes discussions and empowers students to seek help when needed.

3. Provide Culturally Relevant Support Systems:

Schools should adopt frameworks that respect and reflect the cultural identities of students.

Example: Sabzalian (2018) highlights the need for incorporating Indigenous perspectives into school programs.

4. Foster Creativity and Play:

Drawing from Aronstein & Finke (2018), schools can integrate creative approaches to reduce stress and foster engagement, making classrooms more inclusive and supportive.

5. Train Educators to Recognize Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles:

Professional development programs can equip teachers with the skills to identify and respond to students’ needs effectively.

Call to Action: Together, We Can Make a Difference

Mental health is as essential as academic success. Schools, families, and communities must work together to create environments where every student feels supported.

What You Can Do:

Advocate for policies that fund mental health programs in schools.

Support local organizations that offer culturally relevant resources.

Start conversations to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about mental health.

By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that schools become places where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

References

Sabzalian, L. (2018). Chapter 2: Indigenous children’s survivance in public school.

Aronstein, S., & Finke, P. (2018). Discipline and pleasure: The pedagogical work of Disneyland.

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Mental health facts: Children and teens. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Youth risk behavior survey data summary & trends report. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov

American School Counselor Association. (2023). The role of school counselors in supporting mental health. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org

PBS. (2023). Kids in crisis: You’re not alone. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/show/kids-crisis-youre-not-alone/

Miller, A. L. (2019). Adolescent mental health in the classroom: A case study. The Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(3), 334-340.

[indigenouspeopleday]

Opening of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII 23)

The twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) will take place in-person at UN Headquarters in New York from 15-26 April 2024. Theme: "Enhancing Indigenous Peoples' right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth" Opening of the session Item 1: Election of officers

Item 2: Adoption of the agenda and organization of work The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is a high- level advisory body to the Economic and Social Council.

The Forum was established on 28 July 2000 by resolution 2000/22, with the mandate to deal with indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.

[oztrekk]

Bond University offers micro-credential “Becoming Culturally Aware”

Australia Day is January 26, and as part of Bond University’s commitment to being a more inclusive and respectful organization that values diversity, all students (and staff) now have access to Bond’s free online micro-credential “Becoming Culturally Aware.”

Strengthen your cultural capability with this online micro-credential developed in partnership with the Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA). Through a series of engaging and informative modules, you will gain a richer understanding of the vast history, customs, and cultural protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Yugambeh language people, and learn to deliver a meaningful Acknowledgement of Country.

Duration: 4 – 10 hours

Learn more here!

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - June 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $Kaybarr1735! And if you tip me and give me a way to contact you, at the end of the month I'll send you a link to all of the articles I found but didn't use each week!

1. Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand

“Thailand’s Senate voted 130-4 today to pass a same-sex marriage bill that the lower house had approved by an overwhelming majority in March. This makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the second in Asia, to recognize same-sex relationships. […] The Thai Marriage Equality Act […] will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. It will stand as an example of LGBT rights progress across the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”

2. One of world’s rarest cats no longer endangered

“[The Iberian lynx’s] population grew from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022. While young and mature lynx combined now have an estimated population of more than 2,000, the IUCN reports. The increase is largely thanks to conservation efforts that have focused on increasing the abundance of its main food source - the also endangered wild rabbit, known as European rabbit. Programmes to free hundreds of captive lynxes and restoring scrublands and forests have also played an important role in ensuring the lynx is no longer endangered.”

3. Planning parenthood for incarcerated men

“[M]any incarcerated young men missed [sex-ed] classroom lessons due to truancy or incarceration. Their lack of knowledge about sexual health puts them at a lifelong disadvantage. De La Cruz [a health educator] will guide [incarcerated youths] in lessons about anatomy and pregnancy, birth control and sexually transmitted infections. He also explores healthy relationships and the pitfalls of toxic masculinity. […] Workshops cover healthy relationships, gender and sexuality, and sex trafficking.”

4. Peru puts endemic fog oasis under protection

“Lomas are unique ecosystems relying on marine fog that host rare and endemic plants and animal species. […] The Peruvian government has formally granted conservation status to the 6,449-hectare (16,000-acre) desert oasis site[….] The site, the first of its kind to become protected after more than 15 years of scientific and advocacy efforts, will help scientists understand climatic and marine cycles in the area[, … and] will be protected for future research and exploration for at least three decades.”

5. Religious groups are protecting Pride events — upending the LGBTQ+ vs. faith narrative

“In some cases, de-escalation teams stand as a physical barrier between protesters and event attendees. In other instances, they try to talk with protesters. The goal is generally to keep everyone safe. Leigh was learning that sometimes this didn’t mean acting as security, but doing actual outreach. That might mean making time and space to listen to hate speech. It might mean offering food or water. […] After undergoing Zoom trainings this spring, the members of some 120 faith organizations will fan out across more than 50 Pride events in 16 states to de-escalate the actions of extremist anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups.”

6. 25 years of research shows how to restore damaged rainforest

“For the first time, results from 25 years of work to rehabilitate fire-damaged and heavily logged rainforest are now being presented. The study fills a knowledge gap about the long-term effects of restoration and may become an important guide for future efforts to restore damaged ecosystems.”

7. Audubon and Grassroots Carbon Announce First-of-its-Kind Partnership to Reward Landowners for Improving Habitats for Birds while Building Healthy Soils

“Participating landowners can profit from additional soil carbon storage created through their regenerative land management practices. These practices restore grasslands, improve bird habits, build soil health and drive nature-based soil organic carbon drawdown through the healthy soils of farms and ranches. […] Additionally, regenerative land management practices improve habitats for birds. […] This partnership exemplifies how sustainable practices can drive positive environmental change while providing tangible economic benefits for landowners.”

8. Circular food systems found to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, require much less agricultural land

“Redesigning the European food system will reduce agricultural land by 44% while dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 70%. This reduction is possible with the current consumption of animal protein. “Moreover, animals are recyclers in the system. They can recycle nutrients from human-inedible parts of the organic waste and by-products in the food system and convert them to valuable animal products," Simon says.”

9. Could Treating Injured Raptors Help Lift a Population? Researchers found the work of rehabbers can have long-lasting benefits

“[“Wildlife professionals”] tend to have a dismissive attitude toward addressing individual animal welfare,” [… but f]or most raptor species, they found, birds released after rehabilitation were about as likely to survive as wild birds. Those released birds can have even broader impacts on the population. Back in the wild, the birds mate and breed, raising hatchlings that grow up to mate and breed, too. When the researchers modeled the effects, they found most species would see at least some population-level benefits from returning raptors to the wild.”

10. Indigenous people in the Amazon are helping to build bridges & save primates

“Working together, the Reconecta Project and the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous people build bridges that connect the forest canopy over the BR-174 road[….] In the first 10 months of monitoring, eight different species were documented — not only monkeys such as the golden-handed tamarin and the common squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), but also kinkajous (Potos flavus), mouse opossums (Marmosops sp.), and opossums (Didelphis sp.).”

Bonus: A rare maneless zebra was born in the UK

June 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[onemansresources]

Indigenous Chemistry activity using native tree nuts

A wonderful activity exploring how Indigenous People used various chemical process to access a food source, aimed at Year 10 (ages 15/16).

It also includes a small reading task which includes differentiating 'chemical' and 'physical' processes as well as 'human benefits'.

And, as a special bonus, here's the research paper that the activity was based on

[reasonsforhope]

"In a historic move Friday [November 8, 2024], Sacramento State announced its new Native American College, a first of its kind in the California State university system. 

The college, a co-curricular institution housed at Sacramento State, will support Native-based education with a focus on leadership and career building. It will offer a diverse range of programs that integrate "tribal values, traditions and community engagement," according to a press release. 

This marks Sacramento State's second ethnic-based institution. The university launched the the nation's first Black Honors college earlier this year. 

The announcement was made at the California State Capitol by President Luke Wood and Dr. Annette Reed, an enrolled member and citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, who will be the first dean of the Native American College. 

Reed said students will have access to faculty mentors, advisors, outreach coordinators and more who have the expertise to work closely with Native American students and can support them holistically. 

She hopes this historic initiative will address low enrollment of Native students pursuing higher education across the state and in the country. Native American students face significant barriers to enrolling in higher education, such as financial constraints, feelings of isolation, historical trauma and lack of culturally relevant curriculum. 

"And so I'm hoping this impacts the students where they go through as a cohort. They can create networks, they can be able to have more of a support system going through and beginning together and hopefully graduating at the end together," Reed said.

Reed recalled taking her first class on Native American studies in 1980. She would later on serve as the director of Native American studies at Sacramento State and chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies. For her, advocating for Native American education was a natural top priority. 

"People always ask me, 'What is Native American studies?' It is history. It is looking at culture. It's looking at teaching sovereignty, federal Indian law. It's teaching social work, art. It's teaching about Native cultural expression, it can be literature," Reed said. 

The Native American College will introduce two new courses, according to Reed, which will be focused on Native American leadership. 

"It means that maybe some of the ones that start in Fall 2025 will end up here at the Capitol. Maybe they'll end up being the future senators or assembly people or the future of people in business. They might be leading our nation as tribal chairs, they might be going into the medical field," Reed said. "But whatever field they go into, leadership is really key." 

Students who want to be in the Native American College can apply after being accepted into the university's general application process. All students will be required to minor in Native American Studies, with an emphasis on Native American leadership."

-via ABC 10, November 8, 2024

[nothorses]

the quietest I have ever seen a group of kids is when I took a large group of chaotic, high-energy 7th graders who were previously running screaming around a dark parking lot hucking glow sticks at each other and gathered them around a campfire for another teacher to read a picture book to them, and explained that the story, the storyteller, and the story-listeners were all a part of the storytelling.

usually I hear (and have tried!) questions like "how can we be respectful of the storyteller?" or "how can we be a good audience?", which usually get the same responses: sit down & shut up. can't imagine why that's not super compelling to a kid!

but taking a moment to frame it as if the story is kind of alive, and the storyteller is bringing it in, and they, as listeners, are helping in that process... suddenly they got it.

it wasn't just "sit down and shut up", it was about how they can engage with the story while it's told: thinking about questions they can ask, connections to their own lives, how they feel about different parts, how the story is changing them, and what they're thinking about or imagining as they hear it.

and it was about how that's part of the story itself! it's important work, receiving a story. it's crucial, and it's active.

I just think about that a lot.