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New Beginnings for Honoring Tribal Legacies

13 people pose for a photo. Some in uniform, one with a large necklace, one with a tribal print vest, they appear to be from varied background. — Pictured, back row far left to right: Dr. Michael W. Taylor, Jasok Dropik, Dr. Rose Honey, Dr. Carmelita Lamb, Tom Smith, Dr. Stephanie Wood, Neal Bedlan, Dick Basch, Joe Scott. Front row left to right: Diana Cournoyer, Shana Brown, Mark Weekley, Robin Butterfield
NIEA photo

About this article: This article was originally published in the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail 2021 Annual Report.

This has been a banner year for Honoring Tribal Legacies. The program was developed in the years following the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, and has culminated with a two-volume handbook, primary source materials, and 21 units of curriculum for K-12 classrooms. In collaboration with the University of Oregon, these units span all academic areas of study, and exemplify the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in curriculum.

Now, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is passing the baton to an organization that can expand the program to include indigenous tribes and perspectives from all 50 states and territories. The new home of Honoring Tribal Legacies is the National Indian Education Association (NIEA). As the custodians of the program, the NIEA can champion Honoring Tribal Legacies, and continue to develop meaningful inclusive curricular content. This arrangement was celebrated in October at the NIEA’s Annual Convention and Trade Show, held in Omaha, Nebraska. There, the NIEA board of directors, staff, and convention attendees were able to hear from many Honoring Tribal Legacies designers and advocates. We are grateful to the NIEA for their passion and determination to bring Honoring Tribal Legacies into a new era.

—Tom Smith | Education Specialist