Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State
Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington curriculum is required to be taught in all public schools, and there is tremendous value in learning about and honoring the first peoples of the land we enjoy. “Ready to Go” lessons have been shared by Tribes and educators to provide access to a variety of comprehensive lessons to implement along with or in addition to CVA core curriculum.
The following content is adapted with minor revisions from the original language provided by the OSPI in partnership with the Federally Recognized Tribes in Washington state. Lessons are the complete, unrevised content. One lesson for each section is included below. Additional lessons and content can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding unit link.
An inquiry-based approach with five essential questions:
- How does physical geography affect the distribution, culture, and economic life of local tribes?
- What is the legal status of tribes who "negotiated" or who did not "negotiate" settlement for compensation for the loss of their sovereign homelands?
- What were the political, economic, and cultural forces consequential to the treaties that led to the movement of tribes from long-established homelands to reservations?
- What are ways in which Tribes respond to the threats and outside pressure to extinguish their cultures and independence?
- What do local Tribes do to meet the challenges of reservation life; and as sovereign nations, what do local Tribes do to meet the economic and cultural needs of their Tribal communities?
A place-based approach. Our approach encourages teachers, parents, and students to address the essential questions in the context of tribes in their own communities.
An integrated approach. Parents and teachers collaboratively choose which lessons to complete and how much time to spend on tribal sovereignty content throughout the year.
Lessons can be used independently, as supplements, or in place of related content in core curriculum units and lessons. Each lesson provides step-by-step instructions, and teachers will help as needed.
Primary Elementary K-3 (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: Primary Elementary Grades K-3)
Pathway 1: Stories and Histories of Our Place
Pathway 2: Honoring the Salmon
Pathway 3: Giving Thanks: A Native American Cultural Tradition
Washington State History-4th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 4th Grade Washington State History)
Unit 1: Exploring the Pacific Northwest Prior to Statehood: Tribal Homelands
Unit 2: Living in Washington: Celilo Falls
Unit 3: Being Citizens of Washington: Salmon Recovery and the Boldt Decision
U.S. History-5th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 5th Grade U.S. History)
Unit 1: Encounter, Colonization, and Devastation: Tribal Homelands
Unit 2: Independence: Revolution and the U.S. Constitution in Indian Country
Unit 3: Legacy for Us Today: Elwha
Washington State History-7th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 7th Grade WA State History)
Unit 1: Territory and Treaty Making: The Point No Point Treaty
Unit 2: New Technologies and Industries: Hanford Nuclear Reservation's Effects on Indian Country
Unit 3: Contemporary Washington State – The Boldt Decision: 40 Years Later (Boldt I & II)
U.S. History-8th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 8th Grade U.S. History)
Unit 1: Fighting for Independence and Framing the Constitution: Revolution and Constitution in Indian Country
Unit 2: Slavery, Expansion, and Removal: Jackson, Marshall, and Indian Removal
Unit 3: Civil War and Reconstruction: Indian Treaties: Goals and Effects
Unit 4: Development and Struggles in the West: The Dawes Act
U.S. History-11th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 11th Grade U.S. History)
Unit 1: Our Foundation: Foundational Documents and the Boldt Decision (Boldt I and II)
Unit 2: Industrialization and the Emergence of the United States as a World Power: The Allotment Act
Unit 3: Reform, Prosperity, and Depression: Indian Reorganization Act
Unit 4: World War II, The Cold War, and International Relations: Termination and Relocation
Contemporary World Problems-12th Grade (see lessons in pdf format in this article: Time Immemorial Lessons: 12th Grade Contemporary World Problems)
Unit 1: Human Rights - Constitutional Issues: A Tribal Perspective
Unit 2: Environmental Issues: The Boldt Decision
Unit 3: Globalization and the Economy; The Hanford Nuclear Reservation and Its Effects on Tribal Sovereignty
Unit 4: Civic Action and the Economy: Nation-Building and Taxation