Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1035650
A N E W W E B S I T E that provides teaching resources about Native American history and contemporary life seeks to promote understanding about Native Americans by non-Natives. Everyday Native (everydaynative.com) provides a variety of materials for educators, including ideas for class discussions, writing, research and community involvement. These materials may be particularly relevant for lessons celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November. Everyday Native was created to help build knowledge about Native Americans and dispel stereotypes created by movies, TV and the news media. e site invites teachers and students in grades 4-12 to learn about and reflect on Native American history and contemporary life, and is designed to enhance the study of subjects including language arts, U.S. history, social studies, photography, poetry and art. is resource is also intended to help heal racism by building bridges of understand- ing between non-Native and Native American youth. "I realized that for most American children, what their Native American peers do every day on reservations is a mystery," said Everyday Native founder Sue Reynolds. " What's similar and what's different between these two worlds? These questions led me to share what I had learned by creating a teacher's resource with a positive message for youth." Using photographs that present aspects of Native American history, traditions and contemporary life, and poems by acclaimed Native American poet Victor Charlo, Everyday Native provides concepts and questions for discussion and interpretation by students. Reynolds hopes the site will help bridge the understanding gap between Native Americans and non-Natives, and create an America where everyone is valued for their unique voices and the cultures they embrace. "Your leadership in using this educational resource helps students become mem- bers of the kind of new community we want for all our children," she said. "Everyday Native is one important step in becoming true neighbors. As we share our own stories, non-Native and Native, we learn the truths from our shared local and national histories. We acknowledge the difficulties of our shared past. en we move forward together." Joe Parizeau with his grandmother Rose; photo by Sue Reynolds, everydaynative.com. Teaching About Native Americans Everyday Native builds understanding and respect between non-Natives and indigenous people By Julian Peeples 54 cta.org Teaching & Learning Many Choices, One Trust It's good to have options in life. It's even better when it comes to providing healthcare benefits for your Association. California's Valued Trust puts you in control and provides the flexibility to choose from a broad range of healthcare options. And, with CVT's value added services, you have a benefit package second to none. See how CVT can offer your Association more options. Contact us today. For more information, visit www.cvtrust.org or call 800-288-9870