Place and Land

Instructors Notes

When Yellowstone was established, the Plains Wars were raging all around the park’s borders. It was as though the government paused mid-murder to plant a tree in the victims’ backyard. . . . Viewed from the perspective of history, Yellowstone is a crime scene. —David Treuer

Treuer's quote pushes back on the dominant version of history and land and centers an Indigenous perspective - He asks readers to think through a decolonial lens. As we look closer at place- and land-based education, we will be challenging Eurocentric concepts, beliefs, and history, which are the dominant models in classrooms today. Sometimes, this may mean we must decolonize our thinking and challenge settler-colonial mentalities that permeate our society. Pewewardy et al. (2018) assert, "We feel, as Indigenous educators, that we must decolonize ourselves on our own terms without the sanction of the settler state. Ultimately, we see ourselves  as survivors of colonization, not victims" (p. 53).

There is a lot to grapple with when we think about place and land.  Take good care of yourself as you begin thinking deeply about these heavy concepts.  If you find yourself becoming triggered or anxious, please use the self-care and wellness concepts that you have been learning over the past weeks, and please do reach out to us if you need to, knowing that this is a place of safety and love. 

 Activities and Assignments

• Please watch the video Common Ground: The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs.

•  Please read through the Teaching the Truth about National Parks article.

• There is a sample lesson plan attached this week  (You may use it or not for your assignment this term). 

• Complete Week 2 Flip discussion 

Zoom Meetings and Flip Discussions

We will see you on Zoom Thursday from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Zoom link for class on Thursday:  https://pdx.zoom.us/j/84520780762

Flip discussion  Flip https://flip.com/33f85fcb

Readings & Resources

Reflect

rethinking schools. (2024). Teaching the Truth About National Parks.