WL.CL4.A: Intercultural Influences

Text - "2-Spirit 4-Ever" with two long-hair people facing one another/

Two Spirit: Understanding and Celebrating Identities

Connecting—Anchor Standard 11, 1.VA:RE7.1, 5.VA:RE7.1, 6.VA:RE7.1, 8.VA:RE7.1, W.8.2, W.8.4, W.8.6, W.8.7, W.8.8, RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.4, RI.8.6, SL.8.2, WL.CL2.N: Cultural Products, Practices, and Perspectives, WL.CL4.A: Intercultural Influences, 7-8.1.8.G, 7-8.2.2.G, 7-8.4.4.G

This four-lesson unit offers middle school students an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Two-Spirit identities within Indigenous communities. Students will begin by understanding the distinctions between gender, sex, and sexuality, setting the foundation for a deeper exploration of Two-Spirit identities. Lessons describe the history of Two-Spirit people, highlighting their roles and traditions within Native American and Indigenous cultures, and differentiating these identities from Western LGBTQIA+ concepts.

The Beauty of Fall, Martin's Ferry Bridge, Yurok Indian Reservation. © Louisa McCovey (Yurok, Hupa, Karuk)

Live in Balance with the Natural World - Take Only What You Need

HSS 4.1, HSS 4.2, HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.5, HSS 4.5.5, 4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-2, RL.4.2, RL.4.3, RL.4.7, SL.4.2, SL.4.6, WL.CM1.N: Interpretive Communication, WL.CL2.N: Cultural Products, Practices, and Perspectives, WL.CL4.A: Intercultural Influences, WL.CN2.N: Diverse Perspectives and Distinctive Viewpoints

This lesson immerses students in the Yurok Tribe's rich cultural heritage and their deep-rooted connection to sustainable environmental practices. It explores the tribe’s traditional beliefs and practices related to natural resource management, focusing on the values of sustainability, community well-being, and ecological balance. Students will learn how the Yurok people prioritize responsible resource use, such as with salmon, Pacific lamprey, elk, and seaweed, ensuring these resources are available for future generations.

Acorn to oaks

Acorn to Oaks

K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-2-ETS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, WL.CM1.N: Interpretive Communication, WL.CL2.N: Cultural Products, Practices, and Perspectives, WL.CL4.A: Intercultural Influences, HSS K.4, HSS K.6.3, HSS 1.2.4, HSS 1.4.3, HSS 1.5.3, HSS 1.5, HSS 2.1, HSS 2.4.3

This lesson aims to connect young students to the rich cultural history and natural world through the exploration of acorns, a vital food source for Indigenous communities, particularly the Yurok, in Northwest California. Students will be exposed to children engaging in a series of sensory activities which teachers are encouraged to replicate in their classrooms. Through this lesson, students will learn about the life cycle of acorns and how they are harvested and processed for consumption. The lesson begins with an introduction to the cultural importance of acorns through a Yurok language integrated children’s book and their significance as a staple food for Indigenous peoples and their role in sustaining life in California.

Subscribe to WL.CL4.A: Intercultural Influences Content