Announcing the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to announce the Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program, a funding opportunity designed to expand and strengthen the teaching of Wabanaki Studies. School entities, including SAUs, private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education schools, and EUT schools are eligible to receive up to $500 to purchase books that support Wabanaki Studies. These books must align with the Maine DOE Wabanaki Studies resource and written by an Indigenous author. This initiative is one of many that are intended to support the implementation of L.D. 1474, An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools, by expanding access to relevant instructional resources. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can submit for reimbursement?

220 school entities, including SAUs, private schools approved for public tuition purposes, Indian Education schools, and EUT school

Do I need to buy from a specified vendor?

School entities may choose where to purchase the books. 

Is there a list of books with Wabanaki vetted resources that meet the criteria?

The Department has created guides including lesson plans and activities that can be found on the DOE Wabanaki Studies page: https://www.maine.gov/doe/innovation/wabanakistudies/resources 

What is the first step for reimbursement?

Purchasing your books will allow you to be eligible for the first half of the reimbursement. To receive the second part, the following items need to be completed:

Share your project in two of the following ways:

• • Present to school board.

  • Present at a Maine education conference.

  • Create an synchronous/asynchronous professional learning video/lesson to be used/shared by Maine DOE.

  • Submit a model lesson to be shared with other educators by Maine DOE.

  • Create a “good news” story to be shared by the Maine DOE.

  • Host a professional learning group.

+You will be required to submit evidence of the above-mentioned items. Submissions can be sent to Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar at brianne.lolar@maine.gov once completed.

How do I get reimbursed?

Once your evidence is submitted to the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, submit receipts to Haley Neal, Office Specialist at haley.neal@maine.gov with subject title “Wabanaki Studies Indigenous Literature Grant Program”

When will payments be sent out?

Payments will be sent out to school entities on a quarterly basis, after they demonstrate completion of the deliverables. Quarterly submission deadlines will be established to facilitate reimbursement, with target dates of September 30, December 31, and March 31. Submissions received within these periods will be processed and reimbursed accordingly. Submissions received outside of these windows will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and reimbursement will be processed upon approval. 

Have questions? Want more information? Contact the Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Brianne Lolar, at brianne.lolar@maine.gov