Native American Studies Model Curriculum Introduction

 

Introducing California’s First-Ever Native American Studies Model Curriculum


The Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC) marks a historic milestone in California education as a state-funded comprehensive, standards-aligned curriculum dedicated to Native American Studies. This groundbreaking effort was created in collaboration with California Tribes, Native scholars, community leaders, educators, and organizations who brought their wisdom, expertise, and lived experience to the curriculum and resources.

The NASMC is more than a curriculum,  it is a living educational framework that brings Native American voices, histories, cultures, and contemporary realities into classrooms across the state. Designed to be culturally sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable for K–12 classrooms, the curriculum offers standards aligned units, mini units and lessons that integrate Native perspectives across disciplines including history, English language arts, science, social studies, and the arts.

Educators will find powerful and engaging lessons such as:

  • “California Native Environmental Knowledge and Stewardship” – exploring sustainable practices rooted in traditional ecological knowledge.

  • “Tribal Sovereignty and Self-Determination” – investigating government-to-government relationships and the legal foundations of tribal sovereignty.

  • “Contemporary Native Artists” – highlighting the vibrant work of Native creators and their impact on modern art and storytelling.

  • “Language Revitalization and Cultural Resilience” – examining the efforts of California Tribes to preserve and revitalize their Indigenous languages.

We recognize that no single curriculum can represent the full diversity and richness of all California Tribal Nations and cultures. While the NASMC includes many voices, it does not represent all Tribes in California. It is a beginning, not a complete story, and we encourage its continued growth, refinement, and expansion through future collaboration, feedback, and Tribal leadership.  As a part of a broader movement toward educational inclusion, cultural revitalization, and truth-telling, all educators can ensure the Native American Studies has a permanent and respected place in every California classroom.

To all the Tribal leaders, educators, Elders, students, and community members who shaped this curriculum: we extend our deepest gratitude and congratulations. Your contributions are building a more truthful, inclusive, and just educational future for all.

We invite educators to explore these free resources, integrate them into their classrooms, and approach this work with openness, humility, and a commitment to learning. Whether you are just beginning or deepening your journey with Native American Studies, the NASMC is here to support and guide you.