November 2023:  Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and also a time to reflect on current teaching and learning about Native Americans. The Statement on Teaching & Learning, developed in collaboration with the Yolo County California Indian Curriculum and Professional Learning Advisory, requests that Yolo County school districts end the teaching and perpetuation of Native American related misconceptions, stereotypes, inaccuracies, and erasure that cause harm. For more information or resources to address the issues in the document, contact Heather Schlaman.

Learn about the local tribal nation and celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation as they share some of their culture, language, unique stories and ongoing contributions. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram each day this month for features, facts, and fun- all in celebration of  Native American heritage, and proudly brought to you by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Pick up a Native American cultural activity bag at any Yolo County library. 

Check out these great ideas for teaching about Thanksgiving for elementary teachers,  Rethinking Thanksgiving: A New Thanksgiving Story for 21st Century America.  The resources are centered around the book, Keepunumuk, which was purchased for every elementary school in DJUSD. 

The Kairos Blanket Exercise Workshop in Santa Rosa on November 29 or 30 (see Events listing) is a unique, participatory history lesson — developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators — that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. 

 

In November 2019, the Yolo County Board of Education passed Resolution #19-20/16 to officially recognize November as Native American Heritage Month. The resolution led to conversations between YCOE and tribal leaders about how to recognize the contributions of Native Americans through curriculum and activities in Yolo County schools.

 

In November 2020, YCOE convened the Yolo California Indian Curriculum and Professional Learning Advisory Group. Members of the advisory group include tribal leaders, cultural practitioners and educators, parent representatives, college and university faculty, and graduate students.

The focus of the group is to "provide Yolo County educators with professional development opportunities regarding cultural awareness of Wintun/Patwin homeland history and California Native peoples. Implementation of our work will support relevant and accurate curriculum, identify ongoing impacts of colonization and uplift the diverse histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of California's first peoples".

Blanket Exercise: Indigenous Empowerment and Resilience Training in Santa Ros. 

 

 

December 12, 12 PM - 1 PM & 4 PM - 5 PM: NASMC Project Updates with Q & A for General Public of Regions 1-3

 

 

 

 

The advisory group worked with Taylor Pennewell, Redbud Resource Group to develop and host a virtual workshop for Yolo County educators and community members on September 20, 2021. The recording of the session is available:  

 

Link to Recording: Native American Cultural Understanding for Educators Recording 

 

You will be asked to “register” to watch the on-demand recording.