This session introduces EcoJustice Education as a model for critical place-based learning, with a focus on the different relationship structures developed between ecologically-centered cultures and dominant individual-centered cultures. We will use a particular place (Detroit) as an entry point into the larger story of diverse community histories – human and nonhuman, paying specific attention to discourses associated with them and what this reveals about values held by different world views.
Our session will introduce educators to student-appropriate Native American books. It will explore how Native American literature can be used in the classroom to introduce students to culture, heritage, and ways of life that may differ from their own.This could be in the form of projects or cultural activities. This session will celebrate diversity and inclusion of students and focus on building a safe learning environment.
In this session, secondary level educators will be introduced to a variety of authors and books with Native American (Indigenous) characters to help foster cultural understanding, equity, and inclusion in the learning community. According to Michigan’s state data there are approximately 8,291 Native American students enrolled in public schools. Native American students need to see characters like themselves being represented in texts to encourage them to grow into themselves. “By promoting diversity in children’s literature we can ensure the next generation of Native American children can see themselves represented in the books they read” (Squires The Importance of Native American Literature).
By including lessons on Native American history and culture, teachers can successfully expose students to accurate and truthful information, including assimilation and boarding schools. Even though some pieces of their history can be challenging to learn, teachers can also foster excitement and joy by bringing in different cultural activities. Including bringing in tribal elders from the community for storytelling with the students, taking them on experiential field trips, and implementing culture into the classroom.
In our session’s slide show we will showcase books for students at a variety of grade levels that are easily accessible for teachers to locate and purchase. After time to browse hard copy books, you will walk away with lists of grade appropriate books, online links, and resources. Work time will be provided where you can reflect on how to incorporate Native American literature into your current lessons or units being taught. Many Native American texts are a great way to introduce a project to your students.
Our session will also explore how to evaluate quality texts and materials for authenticity. We will provide a rubric from the National Museum of American Indians with an explanation of how they score materials for culturally appropriate and responsive texts. We will explain how to evaluate Native American texts for authenticity and accuracy by using the following sources: The National Museum of the American Indian NativeKnowledge360 Rubric, and The American Indian Library Association recommended book list. These sources will give teachers the tools to make selections of texts for their classroom.
Wendy Gilliard is a veteran teacher with 28 years of experience in various grade levels at the elementary and middle school level. She has been teaching middle school language arts at the Sault Area Public Schools for the past eight years. Wendy is currently teaching sixth grade ELA... Read More →
Sydnie Dumas is a recent graduate of Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Secondary Education with a focus on English Language and History. She is currently teaching 7th grade English Language Arts at The Sault Area Middle School in the rural community of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan... Read More →
Kendall Moser is a first year teacher at Sault Area Middle School, recently graduated Suma Cum Laude from Lake Superior State University with a B.S. in Secondary Education with a focus on English Language Arts. She is currently teaching 7th grade English Language Arts. Kendall is... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT Room 3
One of Michigan's indigenous languages, Ojibwe, offers a unique perspective on this place, its beauty, and our connections to the world and one another. Language shapes identity and teaches us our place in the world. This session will explore the challenges of Ojibwe language disruption and endangerment while highlighting efforts in resistance, revitalization, and survivance.
Stacie Sheldon is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She is passionate about revitalizing the Ojibwe language and leads a language nest and women’s drum group, Asiginaak-Negamojig. She is a co-founder and manager of Ojibwe.net, an independently... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT Room 3
