Rethinking Native American Education: A Journey with NMAI and Native Knowledge 360

Hi, this is my first blog post. I recently completed a course on edX titled "Foundations of Transforming Teaching and Learning about Native Americans." This course is offered by the NMAI, a part of the Smithsonian Institution.

About the Course

The course encourages you to reflect on how we think about and portray Native Americans in today's America, with a particular focus on the role of education in shaping these perceptions. The main objective is to introduce Native Knowledge 360, a framework that provides essential insights into Native Americans. The goal is to transform how we educate students about Native Americans and present a more accurate and comprehensive narrative of their presence in today's world.

Why This Matters

In contemporary society, Native Americans are often only discussed in the context of American history, even though they have diverse and distinct cultures that are very much alive today. One common misconception in mainstream culture is that all Native Americans wear headdresses adorned with eagle feathers. However, this is typically associated with Plains tribes, and even then, it is a symbol of prestige — not something all Native Americans wear.

Key Takeaway

This course is a valuable resource for U.S. history and social studies teachers. It equips them with the tools to teach a more comprehensive and accurate narrative about Native Americans, allowing us to recognize them as the original stewards of the Americas — not just historical figures, but living communities whose knowledge and traditions are deeply relevant today.

Take the course on edX: https://www.edx.org/learn/teaching-strategies/the-smithsonian-institution-foundations-for-transforming-teaching-and-learning-about-native-americans