Native Knowledge 360˚ Teacher Workshop Series ǀ Indigenous Women: Artists and Activists (Session 2) - Video

In Session 2 of this three-part workshop series, teachers explored the intersection of Indigenous women artists and activism with author and illustrator of the children’s book Water Walker, Joanne Robertson (AnishinaabeKwe). Teachers also learned about non-fiction books for their classroom use that center Indigenous women’s voices and perspectives with Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambé Owingeh), found of the American Indians in Children’s Literature. They discussed using books and literature tools to deepen student knowledge of Indigenous women’s roles and their contributions to environmental issues. Session 2 was hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian on February 20th, 2022.

This workshop series used the museum’s Essential Understandings framework (https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/pdf/NMAI-Essential-Understandings.pdf) and artworks by contemporary Indigenous women artists to help teachers deepen their knowledge of Indigenous women’s roles and contributions. Teachers also examined ways students might use art to learn about difficult historical events and contemporary issues. Session facilitators introduced participants to art from the museum’s collections, as well as prose and illustrations in contemporary children’s books that feature Indigenous women artists and activists. Classroom materials from the museum’s Native Knowledge 360° (https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360) education initiative were provided. The project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.