Beyond Jamestown:
Virginia Indians Past & Present
Second Annual Teachers' Institute
June 23-27, 2008
Williamsburg, VA at the College of William and Mary
"This was one of the best educational experiences I have ever participated in. I would love to see something like this available for educators in large numbers and for many years." - 2007 Participant
Photo: Powhatan Red Cloud 2007 Beyond Jamestown Faculty by U.Va. Public Affairs/Jane Haley.
June 23-27 2008
In Virginia, history and tradition are accorded the highest respect, yet many Virginians today know little about Virginia Indians. Indigenous elders and teachers alike have been asking for new curricula and materials to address the omissions of the past, and the Social Studies SOLs have just been revised to reflect a more contemporary understanding of Virginia’s first peoples and their past.
This seminar offered a rare opportunity to hear from Virginia Indian tribal speakers and chiefs, as well as from academic authorities on such topics as regional ecology, cultural misperceptions, and new ways to think about indigenous knowledge. Hands-on classroom activities and innovative lesson plans for all ages were provided. A special field trip was taken to visit a Virginia Indian reservation that has existed since the mid-1600s.
Highlights
- This course was open to Virginia teachers (public and private school) at levels K-12.
- The curriculum was designed by Virginia Indians.
- Chiefs and other tribal leaders served as faculty members, along with some of Virginia’s leading academic authorities.
- The Institute provided accurate information on Virginia Indian history and contemporary life and offered indigenous perspectives on the past.
- Half of the participants were drawn from the immediate area surrounding Williamsburg. The other half were drawn from throughout the state, with accommodations provided. Breakfast and lunch were provided to all participants.
- The Institute was held on the grounds of the College of William and Mary.
- No charge to participants.
- Teachers received copies of newly published resources designed for classroom use.
- We offered 32 Continuing Education credit hours.
- The hours of the class were 9-4 each day
- Admission is limited, and an application was required.
