The voices and history of the state’s five recognized tribal nations that include the Golden Hill Paugusset tribe in nearby Trumbull will be heard in ER9 school district classes.
The district plans to take part in an initiative announced by Gov. Ned Lamont to educate school children on Native American history and traditions in Connecticut.
The descendants of the state’s five recognized tribal nations and the state Department of Education have partnered to write a kindergarten through 12th grade social studies curriculum to teach public school children about their cultural traditions, history and contributions to the state.
The curriculum is not mandated but encouraged and allows school districts to access materials through GoOpenCT, Connecticut’s digital library of open education resources
Steven Clapp, principal of Helen Keller Middle School, said plans to adopt the curriculum are in the review process with the ER9 school district.
Each of the state’s five recognized tribes, the Golden Hill Paugussett, Paucatuck Eastern Pequot, Mashantucket Pequot, Mohegan and Schaghticoke tribal nations played a vital role in the curriculum development process. The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes are federally recognized tribes, and their reservations are federal reservations.
Reflecting on the importance of the partnership with the state, Samantha Tondreau, director of curriculum and instruction for the Mohegan tribe, said it is important for tribal nations to share their perspectives on history.
“The state Department of Education has been very respectful to our tribal communities throughout the process of curriculum adjustments and changes,” said Tondreau.
Connecticut’s indigenous history is complex, with each of the five recognized tribes offering their unique story and legacy that can also be experienced locally.
In Easton, the area where Samuel Staples Elementary School was eventually constructed, was said to have had a significant presence of native artifacts. Even though experts recommended an archaeological survey before the school’s construction in the early 2000s, it was not required, said Elizabeth Boyce, a curator for the Easton Historical Society.
“Hopefully greater awareness of Native American history will prevent such omission in the future,” said Boyce.
Boyce recommended reading the Historical and Archaeological Assessment Survey of Easton starting at Section 3-1.
“It really is an incredible summary of all the attention and care many residents have shown to the local Native American sites and artifacts,” said Boyce. “We do have a small collection of items, but we are currently in the process of digitizing our resources.”
State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said the resources on GoOpenCt come at no cost to school districts.
“It is our goal to develop nation-leading educational resources and curriculum tools with subject matter experts in their fields and community members,” said Russell-Tucker.
Clan Mother Shoran Waupatukuay Piper of the Golden Hill Paugussett tribe, whose reservation is in Trumbull and Colchester, said all five tribes have been working together on the school curriculum and still continue to do so.
The tribes hope that this educational initiative will foster a deeper understanding of their history, cultural heritage and contributions.
In a series published in the Easton Courier, Rev. Ally Brundige with Christ Church traced the history of the Paugussett people in Fairfield county and lamented the role the church played in permitting injustices by English settlers on the tribe.
Tondreau hopes the curriculum will educate future generations on the true history of Native Americans in Connecticut.
“I do hope that I am no longer teaching about and changing misconceptions but engaging students and elevating their knowledge,” said Tondreau.
