While we wait for the Department of Education to come back out of its hole and tell us what’s going on with Governor Noem’s attempted whitewashing of our social studies curriculum standards, Representative Peri Pourier (D-27/Pine Ridge) is working to reinforce the statutory incorporation of American Indian history and culture in our kids’ studies. Rep. Purier brings House Bill 1170 to update and strengthen the Board of Education Standards’ mandate on curriculum and coursework.
SDCL 13-1-51 currently requires that the Board of Education Standards include “South Dakota American Indian history and culture” in its curriculum and coursework rules. HB 1170 specifies that Native content should be in the social studies standards. HB 1170 directs the board to incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings, specific standards developed by American Indian experts to teach the Lakota way from the Lakota perspective. HB 1170 requires the board to consult with the South Dakota Indian Education Advisory Council in incorporating the OSEU in K-12 curriculum.
HB 1170 gets its first hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, February 2, at 7:45 a.m. before House Education, which has no American Indian members.
It’s sad that someone has to bring a bill to the legislature to make sure the children in this state learn about Native American culture and history. This wouldn’t even need to be happening if the governor wasn’t such a hypocrite and attempting to water down history lessons so feelings don’t get hurt.
This ought to extend to mandatory college freshman course (the teaching, in a segment, not an entire new required course).
Indian Law ought to be a required course in the law school.
Today is the anniversary of Governor Mickelson’s outreach to the tribal nations trapped in South Dakota but imagine a racist like Mrs. Noem doing that.
At least it’s along way from all those stores of my youth that had no Indians allowed signs. It should be taught. It’s sad there needs to be a law but any law is meddling by politicians in areas of education where they don’t belong. The whitewash will hit harder in South Dakota. Soon politicians will control what is taught and what a doctor can do, really, really sad.
Republican Attacks on CRT Illuminated:
When living in, analyzing, and traveling in and through South Dakota a strong feeling of imbalance is prominently prevalent.
Why, I’ve wondered?
It’s explained here in the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings.
“Native definitions and ways of being in this region have been stifled through the silencing of historic oppression, separation, and targeted, forced assimilation.” – OSEU
Honoring burial lands of ancestors is building physical roots that connect people to the land, as well as connecting people to their past and who they are. Without planting those roots and severing connections to the past and the ground, we are lost.
It is clear that since America is a relatively young nation with mostly transplanted people who failed to assimilate to the established culture, we are a nation of lost and disconnected orphans lacking knowledge of self and seeking the comfort of the good Earth’s bosom.
If we were to just acknowledge and respect the ancestors buried within the land we occupy, we could feel that pride for our homeland and sense that love for ourselves through the spirits. Like Chief Seattle said, “Walking down our streets late at night, we are never alone. The dead have consequence.”
If you don’t know where your grandma’s grandma is buried, adopt the great grandmas buried here as your own and your roots will grow strong and that thing the Natives are envied for will nourish you and yours too. Just a suggestion that was made to me that helps when your familial roots consist only of a beat up trunk brought from the old country. Its as if once the land claims you, you’re finally home.
Well…Teachers, Doctors, College Professors, Scientists, Philosophers, Technical Specialists, are all “over educated” and need to be placed under close watch by the authorities. In general , they don’t have “South Dakota Values” and refuse to acquire them. If we must have these people for their utility, , they must be under the control of responsible people. Of course , the same must be said for Native people who can’t be expected to have “South Dakota Values”.
Thank you All Mammal.
Gee, we were fortunate to have Lakota speaking teachers, K-12, in our public school. When they started 3- and 4-year-old preschool, kids were learning native curriculum as well. Social Studies teachers were grateful for their expertise and for integrating all cultural elements into curriculum, including cognitive guided learning and placed based learning for math and science. Oceti Sakowin standards include rigorous language arts standards as well. We found that students learned the Lakota language easily and continued classes even while enrolled in Spanish.
Noem could learn many things from the Oceti Sakowin standards, number one being that we are all relatives.
You bet, V. I still remember from 30 years ago being taught the Oceti Sakowin in elementary school. Ms. Dolly tutored us. She spoke so softly. She was perty and smelled nice too. I still remember learning how important honor, bravery, generosity and wisdom are like it was yesterday. When I taught at Lakota Transitional Headstart, every classroom adopted their own Unci. Her role was immeasurable. The first artifact I created in my teaching portfolio was a Lakota based curriculum that I shared with any teacher who asked about it. Self-love and pride is necessary before any young person has confidence to stick their neck out to learn something new. These lessons are imperative for all South Dakotans.
Thank you Ms. Dolly. Pilamaya.