Native American Studies Model Curriculum
Grades 9-12 Introduction

The 9th–12th grade Native American Studies curriculum offers students a powerful opportunity to engage with complex, often underrepresented histories and contemporary realities of Native Nations. These lessons challenge oppressive narratives, center Indigenous voices, and promote deep inquiry into the ongoing legacies of colonialism, structural injustice, and Native resistance. Through a focus on both historical and current issues, students build a nuanced understanding of Tribal sovereignty, identity, and the essential role Native peoples continue to play in shaping California, the United States, and the world.
 

Aligned with high school History–Social Science, English Language Arts, and Science standards, each lesson is designed to foster critical thinking, personal reflection, and cross-disciplinary learning. Lessons are approximately 55-60 minutes in length and are organized into full Units (more than five lessons, marked with an asterisk), Mini-Units (two to five lessons), and Single Lessons that can be integrated into existing curriculum or taught independently.

The curriculum’s Tribal Government and Civics Unit explores federal Indian policy as a colonial legacy, giving students essential knowledge about the legal and political frameworks that shape the U.S.–Tribal relationship inviting students to connect past to present through a lens of justice, truth, and respect. These lessons center the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and underscore that Native peoples are not simply cultural or ethnic groups, but self-governing nations with unique political and legal standing and essential partners in cohabitation of California lands.

Key themes include the history and continued significance of land stewardship, and the role of cultural identity in self-determination. Students will explore topics such as traditional women’s tattoos, Native people’s service in the U.S. military, and Indigenous approaches to environmental justice. Lessons also examine the lasting impact of the American Indian boarding school system and how intergenerational trauma is met with cultural revitalization, resistance, and healing. Other units focus on Native contributions to STEM fields, the arts, and literature, including poetry and visual art by California Indian creators. The curriculum's robust focus on identity and representation encourages students to question stereotypes and recognize the diversity and vitality of Native cultures today.

Though organized by grade level, educators are encouraged to explore lessons across grade bands. Many lessons are adaptable and offer opportunities to expand regional representation, meet diverse classroom needs, and support a more inclusive and accurate curriculum.

We invite you to begin your learning journey by watching two videos, Native California History, a profound truth-telling video featuring Guiding Leaders of the Native American Studies Model Curriculum and We Are Still Here, a powerful video uplifting Native youth voices, produced by Wiyot filmmaker Michelle Hernandez and Richie Wenzler.