PROGRAM INITIATIVE

Center for Intergenerational Learning

NY State STEM Education & Curriculum Teacher Training

New York State STEM Education & Curriculum Teacher Training

Teachers are developing Land-based learning curriculum with guidance from Indigenous elders for K-12 students.

The envisioned outcome of the Center for Indigenous Learning is that teachers develop the knowledge, insight, and skill to create robust curricula that unpack the legacy of misinformation pertaining to Native peoples.

That teachers foster the development of a deeply ingrained relationship between people and the natural world, provide important lessons about the Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, and the Sciences, and allows youth to show up as their most authentic selves.

In order to solve the environmental challenges of today, while unpacking the legacy of misinformation pertaining to Native peoples, a robust curriculum is being designed that compliments the efforts of other educational initiatives.

 
OJI:SDA' Sustainable Indigneous Futures - Black and White photograph of a Large Red Pine Tree in the forest in New York- Center for Intergenerational Learning

“The Indigenous perspective and teachings are not represented in the mainstream education system today.”

- Tahila Mintz, OJI:SDA’, Founder & Executive Director

OJI:SDA' Sustainable Indigneous Futures - Wall Painting of an Indigenous Kamsha woman weaving and a Ceremonial Mask - Center for Intergenerational Learning

Why is the Center for Intergenerational Learning Important?

The traditional Indigenous perspective and teachings are not represented in the mainstream education system today. All students especially, those that are Indigenous, will connect to the Land they are on and the original caretakers of the Land through interactive immersive programming.

This connection creates a sense of belonging and demonstrates recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ worldviews and knowledge.

Land-based learning benefits all students and provides opportunities for them to build a stronger connection to the Land and develop a sense of responsibility and care for all of our relations. Authentic Indigenous curriculum informed by Indigenous people is rare. It is important for peoples’ narratives to be told by themselves. Additionally, this curriculum creates an opportunity for Native youth to feel proud of who they are from an identifiable and respectful narrative of the past and future.

Additionally, we are working with schools to provide STEM skills and equitable education environments where all students can succeed. We are encouraging innovation in a way that is relevant to the real-world needs and goals of youth, their families, and will increase Indigenous representation in the fields of Technology, Engineering, and Sciences.

Center for Intergenerational Learning News

Indigenous Resources
OJI:SDA’ First Annual Virtual Spring Summit a Success
OJI:SDA’ First Annual Virtual Spring Summit a Success

OJI:SDA’ holds the first Virtual Spring Summit that brings together educators and honored guests to learn how Land-based teaching from Indigenous Scholar Elders, Knowledge Carriers and education experts can transform the classroom space. Speakers included Tahila Mintz, Jason Corwin, Maribel Gonzalez, Beverly Singer, Geraldine Standup, Yvonne Wakim Dennis and the The Washington Ethnic Studies Now (WAESN) Youth Advisory Board (YAB).

Healing and Collaboration is Key to Transforming Learning in K-12 Schools
Healing and Collaboration is Key to Transforming Learning in K-12 Schools

The OJI:SDA’ Center for Intergenerational Learning held its inaugural Teacher Gathering on August 24 through August 26, 2022. Teachers sat in conversation with Onondaga Elders and Purépecha, Chichimeca, and Kickapoo Knowledge Carriers. Then, teachers took what they learned to design project cycles that explicitly teach Indigenous knowledge systems using an approach that is inquiry and student-driven.

What is Land-based teaching?
What is Land-based teaching?

Learn from the OJI:SDA’ education team about what Land-based teaching is and why it is important to embed Indigenous teachings into the curriculum.

Partnerships

Interested in partnering with the OJI:SDA’ Center for Intergenerational Learning in the future?

 

Workshop Delivery

Interested in having the OJI:SDA’ Center for Intergenerational Learning team deliver a workshop to your teaching staff?