Blog Written by Trelasa Baratta, Education Specialist
As we approach Native American Heritage Month, many educators are looking for meaningful ways to incorporate Native perspectives into their curriculum. At Redbud Resource Group, we are dedicated to supporting teachers in this journey by providing resources that encourage respect, reciprocity, and relationship-building with Native communities.
In this pre-recorded webinar, Redbud’s Education Specialist, Trelasa Baratta (Pomo/Lake Miwok), will guide you through creating thoughtful land acknowledgments with your students.
What is a Land Acknowledgment?
A land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes the Indigenous peoples as the original caretakers of the land on which we live and work. You might have seen these acknowledgments at events, meetings, or even on your school’s website. But it's important to remember that a land acknowledgment is just a starting point. True acknowledgment must be paired with meaningful actions that demonstrate respect and commitment to local Native communities.
In this webinar, we explore the nuances of land acknowledgments, addressing key questions such as:
What is a land acknowledgment, and why are they becoming more common?
Where do land acknowledgments fall short, and how can we avoid tokenism?
How can we guide students through creating well-researched, respectful land acknowledgments?
“Going Beyond” with the 6 P’s Framework
Creating a land acknowledgment with students goes beyond a simple statement—it’s an opportunity for both education and action. Begin by researching whose ancestral land you’re on, understanding its history, and guiding students to think critically about their responsibilities as guests on Indigenous land. Our resource, Seeing Our Native Students, is a valuable tool for educators, offering insights into Native history, resilience, and contemporary identity.
To deepen these conversations, we use the 6 P’s Framework, developed by Dr. Leilani Sabzalian (Alutiiq) and adapted by the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center. This framework guides educators in ensuring Native perspectives are treated with the respect and complexity they deserve. By incorporating these principles into your lessons, you can foster meaningful discussions on land, relationships, and Indigenous perspectives throughout your curriculum.
Empowering the Next Generation
Our goal at Redbud Resource Group is to empower teachers with resources that inspire action and create a classroom environment where Native students feel seen, heard, and valued. By helping students create thoughtful land acknowledgments, educators not only teach history but also foster a sense of belonging and responsibility to the places we all call home.
We encourage you to watch the full webinar (~20 minutes long), visit our website for additional resources, and take this time leading up to Native American Heritage Month to reflect on how you can contribute to making your classroom a space of Indigenous empowerment.
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