There is a lot of misinformation and stereotyping regarding Indigenous people due to the lack of proper education in their culture. The article "Native American students hope a new education law helps reverse years of misinformation" written by Jow Hong, draws attention to this issue and the repercussions that can occur. It highlights how our school districts are undereducated when it comes to Indigenous culture, and is resulting in misinformation being taught. This misinformation is leading to ignorance and stereotyping instead of trying to eliminate these problems. Our school systems should be educated in Indigenous culture so that the proper information is being taught to help eliminate racism and allow for Indigenous students to feel accepted.
The article states that due to a law signed in California, school districts are encouraged to collaborate with local Native Americans to help build history lessons that properly inform students about Indigenous culture. All schools should consider doing this collaboration with local Native Americans as a way to improve both student's and teacher's understanding of Indigenous culture. Teachers need to be educated so they can create history lessons that accurately represent Indigenous culture. However, their education should come from teachings they acquired through Indigenous people who have first-hand expereince in the culture. Educating teachers in Indigenous culture should not only happen in elementary and high schools, but it should also include post-secondary institutions. The article "Indigenizing the Academy" by Moira Macondald that was discussed in class, draws attention to how the misinformation regarding Indegenous culture is still occuring in universities. It states how these institutions need to start bringing Indigenous people and their culture into their, strategic plans, recruitment and other research and academic programs. Thus, it is important for education systems at all levels to properly educate their teachers/professors in Indigenous culture so they can properly incorporate and represent it in their classrooms and lessons.
Work Cited:
https://www.timesheraldonline.com/2022/09/30/native-american-students-hope-a-new-education-law-helps-reverse-years-of-misinformation/
https://www.universityaffairs.ca/features/feature-article/indigenizing-the-academy/