Presentation Abstract

Traditional Swinomish culture relies on water dependent livelihoods in the Salish Sea, centered on the Swinomish Reservation near La Conner, Washington. A common saying at Swinomish is “when the tide is out, the table is set”; Subsistence shellfish harvests are common and Swinomish people call themselves the “People of the Salmon.” Without a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of nature, and a sense of stewardship over the land, our natural resources and traditional lifeways may be threatened. Between Two Worlds is a youth education program to give Swinomish high school students a greater appreciation of the land and environment and provide them with the cultural and scientific tools to be good stewards. Program goals are: 1) provide experiential learning to students in indigenous science with an option to earn high school credit; 2) foster the next generation of stewards; and, 3) expose youth to Tribal role models and tribal careers in STEM. Broader objectives include strengthening relationships within the community, learning, sharing, and archiving traditional knowledge, and providing tools to help our people work both in and outside our tribal community. By teaching traditional indigenous science, modern technology, and environmental issues, we hope to help repair the trauma Indigenous people have experienced over generations. The program also helps at-risk students gain science credit for graduation through an innovative partnership with the local school district, a need identified by the Tribal education department. Each teaching unit or subject includes classroom-style education and field data collection for educational/illustrative purposes, with curricula and activities that integrate science and culture. Field activities occur at local beaches, forests, and estuaries of historic and cultural value to the Tribe, consistent with traditional place-based values. Curriculum will be archived for future use for Swinomish educators or other tribal communities hoping to institute similar programs.

Session Title

Track: Education, Community & Social Science – Posters

Conference Track

Education, Community & Social Science

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2020 : Online)

Document Type

Event

SSEC Identifier

2020_abstractID_4693

Start Date

21-4-2020 9:00 AM

End Date

22-4-2020 4:45 PM

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Indians of North America--Education (Secondary)--Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation, Washington; Place-based education--Curricula--Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation, Washington; Curriculum planning--Social aspects--Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation, Washington; Culturally relevant pedagogy

Geographic Coverage

Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Swinomish Indians of the Swinomish Reservation, Washington

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

COinS
 
Apr 21st, 9:00 AM Apr 22nd, 4:45 PM

Between Two Worlds Indigenous High School Science Program

Traditional Swinomish culture relies on water dependent livelihoods in the Salish Sea, centered on the Swinomish Reservation near La Conner, Washington. A common saying at Swinomish is “when the tide is out, the table is set”; Subsistence shellfish harvests are common and Swinomish people call themselves the “People of the Salmon.” Without a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of nature, and a sense of stewardship over the land, our natural resources and traditional lifeways may be threatened. Between Two Worlds is a youth education program to give Swinomish high school students a greater appreciation of the land and environment and provide them with the cultural and scientific tools to be good stewards. Program goals are: 1) provide experiential learning to students in indigenous science with an option to earn high school credit; 2) foster the next generation of stewards; and, 3) expose youth to Tribal role models and tribal careers in STEM. Broader objectives include strengthening relationships within the community, learning, sharing, and archiving traditional knowledge, and providing tools to help our people work both in and outside our tribal community. By teaching traditional indigenous science, modern technology, and environmental issues, we hope to help repair the trauma Indigenous people have experienced over generations. The program also helps at-risk students gain science credit for graduation through an innovative partnership with the local school district, a need identified by the Tribal education department. Each teaching unit or subject includes classroom-style education and field data collection for educational/illustrative purposes, with curricula and activities that integrate science and culture. Field activities occur at local beaches, forests, and estuaries of historic and cultural value to the Tribe, consistent with traditional place-based values. Curriculum will be archived for future use for Swinomish educators or other tribal communities hoping to institute similar programs.