Illuminating Native History; an on-campus field trip

A dynamic partnership sparked a unique learning experience for students Thurston High School (THS). THS hosted an on-campus field trip on April 21, designed to immerse students in multiple Native-centered lessons. 

“I think it provides the [Native American} community with opportunities to show that we are together and we can do things to represent our  culture here,” said Bobbi Dano, teacher and Native American Student Union (NASU)advisor. “It can be pretty powerful, especially if you get students who are interested.”

The experience was possible thanks to a grant through the Springfield History Museum designed to bring exhibits directly to K-12 students. Throughout the all-day experience students were able to participate in different 35-minute workshops:

• Heard from local Native elders who were interviewed to develop the Springfield History Museum’s Illumination collection
• Learned about Native languages (Kalapuya, Chamtela, Klamath, Chinook Wawa) 
• Participated in a student-community mural experience
• Native food discussion and preparation
• Indigenous music including drumming and song
• Clothing and regalia experience

While the Springfield History Museum was instrumental in acquiring funding for the program, THS leadership students, specifically those representing 5 Powers  and the Native American Student Union advocated for the experience. 5 Powers consists of several campus affinity groups and are tasked with creating events to bring students together. 

“It’s important to acknowledge where you are, because we all live here now,” said Roshelle Weiser-Nieto, presenter and Native Youth Wellness Program Coordinator with Lane Education Service District. “No matter where we are, what culture we come from, we all live here now. The best thing we can do is learn about who we are, learn about the people that traditionally live here. That way we can all be good stewards of the land. 

THS also shared the experience with several dozen NASU students from throughout the District, including middle school students.