Toolkit developed by CA Indian Culture & Sovereignty Center and CSU San Marcos American Indian Studies. The purpose of the toolkit is to encourage all academic staff, students, administrators to acknowledge the original nations on whose land we live, learn, and work.
This engaging and culturally rich unit invites young learners to explore the power of storytelling through the lens of the Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in California and a Native community with a deep presence in Northwestern California. Ernie Albers, Yurok Storyteller shares his story “The Beautiful Buzzard” to engage students with the traditional artform of storytelling, how stories carry important messages, teach life lessons, and keep cultures alive across generations.
Students will understand the challenges and barriers faced by Native American athletes in the early 20th century, especially in major leagues like MLB. Students will learn about the importance of the World Series in the early 20th century and how it served as both a personal and cultural milestone for players like Bender and Meyers.
In this lesson, students in TK-2 will explore the Paiute origin story “Why Animals Have Black on Their Fur” to build understanding of Native storytelling, language, and culture.
In this engaging and culturally enriching lesson, young students are introduced to the Indigenous tribes of Northwestern California—the Yurok, Karuk, Hupa, Wiyot, and Tolowa. Through a short video featuring Maggie Peters (Yurok/Karuk), students gain insight into the cultural significance of necklace-making in these tribal communities.
In this interactive TK–2 lesson, students are introduced to the Yurok language through a playful and familiar song: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
Students explore the concept of the oak tree as a keystone species and learn who benefits from its gifts—humans and wildlife alike. They are introduced to Indigenous stewardship, including controlled burning as a traditional practice to support oak habitats. Students engage in discussion, categorization activities, and create artwork or writing to define their role as stewards of the land.
Students develop vocabulary and observation skills to identify oak trees and acorn anatomy. Through labeling activities and hands-on exploration, they learn to name tree and seed parts while understanding how Native Americans used oak trees and their products. Students use teamwork and visual prompts to deepen their learning.
This lesson focuses on how California Native American communities traditionally harvested, processed, and respected acorns as a staple food. Students examine real acorns, engage in simulated grinding activities, and explore sustainability through the concept of taking only what is needed. They reflect through art and writing on the cultural importance of oak trees.
Using a PBS KIDS Molly of Denali video, this lesson highlights the cultural and ecological importance of acorns through an Indigenous lens. Students watch a video, discuss key themes, and explore how traditional knowledge helps people care for the land. They make personal connections through observation, storytelling, and drawing activities.
