Native Voices for Educators

This program is designed to assist educators in integrating Native-centered content into lesson planning. The tools provided center the voices of Indigenous people in Idaho to inspire a passion for cross-cultural learning and to cultivate a community of understanding and respect for Indigenous experiences and contributions.

Leverage easy-to-use tools and resources provided to inspire a passion for cross-cultural learning in your classroom and cultivate a community of understanding and respect for Indigenous experiences and contributions – past and present.

These lesson plans are aligned to Idaho state standards.

Step 1.

Educators first complete the important 10 minute preparation work provided in the Teacher/Adult Learner Guide before planning to teach a lesson.

Step 2.

Then check out the lesson plans, instructor videos, and other tools authored by Native teachers and designed to meet Idaho state educational standards related to indigenous communities and the Tribes of Idaho. These plans, presentations and teacher guides are linked below and in the Teacher/Adult Learner Guide.

Step 3.

Scroll down to watch some of the Native instructor videos. These are integrated into the lesson plans and presentations. Also watch some of the student videos.

Step 4.

After reviewing the lesson plans and presentations, make a copy of the presentation and student response guides to use in your classroom, which are also linked below.

Also available through Idaho Public Television

Misconceptions

Instructor Phill Allen discusses misconceptions and stereotypes about Native peoples in Idaho. Lesson plan 1 helps students relate to misconceptions and stereotypes. Native Voices student videos embedded in the lesson help students understand some of those misconceptions.

Tradition and Culture

Educator Phill Allen explains how Native culture and traditions are passed down and preserved through families. In his example he shares how his family gathered to fish and preserve salmon. Lesson plan 2 supports student understanding of culture and how it is preserved.

Tribes

Instructor Phill Allen explains what a federally recognized tribe is and why it matters. Lessons 3-7 each focus on one of the 5 Federally recognized tribes in Idaho.