This lesson is part of a statewide Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC) and focuses on the Northwest California region. The Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Wiyot, and Tolowa peoples live in Northwest California along the redwood coast. The chapter utilized in this lesson is written by Callie Lara (Ne’en). Callie wrote her chapter from a Hupa and Karuk perspective. It is important to note that although tribes of the Northwest California region are similar, it is also critical to reserve space for their unique differences. For example, Yurok people along the Pacific coast and lower Klamath River utilize redwood plank homes. While Hupa, Karuk, and upper Klamath River Yurok peoples may utilize cedar to build their plank houses.  Although it is not integral for students to know and understand all these details, it is important to help them to understand that not all Indigenous/American Indian nations are the same. Likewise, these similarities and differences are a part of Indigenous identities, religious beliefs, customs, and traditions (as noted in the History-Social Science standards). Further, it is also crucial to utilize “present-tense language” through the lesson plan. For example: Share with students that “Yurok people use grapevines to tie the redwood plank boards together” rather than “Yurok people used grapevines to tie redwood plank boards together.” In this example, “Present-tense language” sends an important message that Yurok people continue to live and thrive today. 

  Essential Questions:

• What have you learned about the environment from an Indigenous perspective?

• How has the natural environment changed in the last 50 years? What evidence do you see?

• What changes can you make to minimize your impact on the environment?