SUPPORTING EDUCATORS

Expanding Access to Wabanaki Studies

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About Wabanaki Studies

The Panawahpskek (Penobscot) Nation, Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) Tribe, Mi’kmaq Nation,  (Wolastoqiyik) Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, and Abenaki  (collectively known as the Wabanaki Nations) have lived for thousands of years in the land we now call Maine. They are known collectively as the Wabanaki, or "People of the Dawnland." Despite colonization and attempted genocide—including the forced removal of their children—the Wabanaki Nations have endured as sovereign and self-determining peoples, with distinct and diverse languages, cultures, governments, and economic structures. (Source: Wabanaki Studies Framework)

At MEEA, we strive to expand access to Wabanaki Studies at public schools and environmental education organizations so that all Maine students and educators can access Indigenous knowledge inside and outside the classroom. We connect Wabanaki educators with the wider environmental education community through providing funding, professional development workshops, and community partnerships.

The Wabanaki Nations’ traditional ecological knowledge continues to expand and challenge the field of environmental education to approach teaching about the natural world in a more holistic, interconnected, and interdisciplinary way. Wabanaki Studies promotes Maine students to have a deeper connection to the environment in which they live and learn; and to understand the history and culture of the people who have stewarded these lands for time immemorial.

We extend are gratitude and respect to Panawahpskek citizens Brianne Lolar and Kaya Lolar for their knowledge and efforts expanding Wabanaki studies; and to all of the Wabanaki advisors and educators who share their stories, cultural practices, and rich histories through the materials available on this webpage and beyond.

Where do I start? Check out:

Follow Wabanaki Studies Education on social media for regular updates on Wabanaki studies opportunities!

Looking for funding for your Wabanaki Studies project?

MEEA’s Mini Grants for Outdoor Learning provide up to $1,500 to public school teachers in Maine for outdoor learning and Wabanaki studies projects. Applications open mid-September 2025.

Wabanaki Studies Outdoor Education Projects

  • Portland Public School students during the Wabanaki, Life Science, and Experiential Learning Units K-2

  • Washington Academy student during a lesson that makes connections between Wabanaki basket making and the threat posed by the emerald ash borer.

  • 5th grade students from the Guy E Rowe School engaging in a tree identification and Wabanaki Studies lesson at Roberts Farm, an experiential learning farm of the Oxford Hills School District.

  • 5th grade students from the Guy E Rowe School engaging in a tree identification and Wabanaki Studies lesson at Roberts Farm, an experiential learning farm of the Oxford Hills School District.

  • Oxford Hills teachers participated in a month-long professional learning experience on integrating Wabanaki Studies into outdoor and experiential learning curriculum.

  • Ocean Avenue Elementary School created a schoolyard map with permanent signage for staff and families to understand what tree species exist in the schoolyard to support the school's Wabanaki Studies curriculum.

  • Amanda C. Rowe Elementary students studying phenology (seasons) as part of Portland Public Schools' Wabanaki Studies and Life Science Curriculum.

  • Third graders worked on a project called Take Me to The River. SidexSide drama teacher Gretchen Berg worked with students to create a physical theater performance about the life cycle of salmon.

  • 3rd grade students from all PPS elementary schools went on a field work trip to the Presumpscot River as part of the Wabanaki Studies/Life Science unit, designed to help students connect to place and heal from river trauma through safe and meaningful exposure in a group environment of peers.

Wabanaki Studies Professional Development Workshops

Check back soon for Fall 2025 upcoming workshops!

FREE three-part workshop series for school-based educators of all grade levels and subject areas

Facilitated by Panawahpskek citizens
Brianne Lolar, Wabanaki Studies Specialist, Maine DOE
Kaya Lolar, Policy and Wabanaki Studies Coordinator, MEEA

Join a cohort of educators from your region to participate in three interactive workshops (two online, one in-person) and support one another as you integrate Wabanaki studies into your education work. This material represents a continuing collaborative effort between the Wabanaki Nations, Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, districts, and other organizations.

Wabanaki Studies is the #1 topic that Maine environmental educators say they need more support to teach to their students. We’ve served over 350 educators so far in Hinckley, Falmouth, East Machias, Camden, York, Ashland, and Bangor. Want to host a workshop in your community? Email us.

Quotes from Educators

  • “My intention to attend the Wabanaki Studies workshop was for the purpose of supporting those instructing Indigenous students.  The importance of cultural sensitivity and respect should be impressed on all those looking towards a career in education.  The class exceeded my expectations.  I found the instructors approachable and sincerely focused on sharing their extensive knowledge.  As part of support staff working with young tribal members, my comfort level has been strengthened.”

    Amy Hodgdon, Ed Tech III, Washington Academy High School

  • “The Wabanaki Studies workshop was a gift that we have all needed for a very long time. The schools I work with are extremely grateful for the vast amount of information as they integrate and teach Wabanaki Studies curriculum. The work that went into the development of the huge body of resources is both impressive and incredibly helpful for us all. Thank you, Brianne Lolar, the Wabanaki Studies team, and Wabanaki team of Advisors for your leadership and thank you, MEEA for sponsoring the workshop.”

    -Anne Stires Educational Consultant & Affiliate Faculty, Antioch University

  • Wabanaki history precedes Maine history. You cannot adequately teach Maine history without first knowing Wabanaki history. The law was enacted twenty plus years ago. It’s time it be implemented in every school in Maine.

    Wendy Newell Dyer Teacher and Passamaquoddy citizen

  • From the students' perspective, partnering with Wabanaki advisors is essential. Where I teach, I have children in my room who are citizens of the Penobscot nation every year. Having avenues to meet people and make community connections helps to ensure that I am creating a positive and culturally affirming learning environment for these students.

    Matthew Pascucci English Language Arts High School Teacher

  • I remember in early PD sessions I did attend, Brianne supported educators' efforts by saying it's okay to make mistakes. She would emphasize that we were all learning. I love the way she emphasizes learning beside and with your students.

    Grace Cain Ed Tech III - Academic Intervention

  • Teachers in our school are eager to integrate Wabanaki learning into all aspects of their curriculums to reflect this rich history, but are fearful about cultural appropriation or "getting it wrong." Unfortunately, the response to this fear in the past has been to avoid integrating Wabanaki learning altogether. This is an issue of capacity. Brianne Lolar and her fellow educators have made it possible to build this necessary capacity.

    Wabanaki Studies Workshop Participant

  • "As a non-native, I had no idea where to start with the teaching of Maine curriculum / Wabanaki Culture. I chose to pilot the curriculum for the Wabanaki studies. It helped me make a connection with my Wabanaki students and my non-native students. To see them interact and enjoy learning about the culture was a wonderful site to see."

    Heather Bowles Teacher

  • "Our school serves the Passamaquoddy community in Perry, Maine, and we still need resources to support the teaching of Wabanaki Studies across all content areas. Every educator benefits from having access to specialists and resources through the state dept. of education. "

    Ann Cannizzaro Educator

  • Not until I attended a workshop put on by Brianne and Kaya Lolar on Wabanaki Studies last year, had I received materials specifically designed to educate my students on the role of the Wabanaki for tens of thousands of years, in the land we now call Maine. Since teaching Wabanaki Studies has been a requirement for nearly twenty-five years, I felt incompetent as an educator in this regard because the efforts in bringing about its implementation had been neglected, leaving teachers ill-prepared. Without the efforts of Brianne, Kaya, and the team I would not have been able to create the curriculum I have for a course in Wabanaki Studies at Cape Elizabeth High School.

    Michael Young Teacher, Cape Elizabeth High School

  • When teaching a Wabanaki poem in a grades 3 & 4 performing arts class, I reminded the students that Wabanaki peoples and cultures are living and thriving to this day. While many students were surprised by this, one student raised his hand. When called on he said "yes, we are still here. I am Penobscot, and I am here."

    Anonymous Educator

Wabanaki Studies Resources

A great starting point in your Wabanaki studies journey. This guide supports educators in transforming the way we work with and support Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and families.

Grades K - 12 educator guides to support learning about topics such as languages, economics, civics and government, outdoor learning, and more.

Wabanaki Studies learning modules for Pre-K through 12th grade.

Info about the creation and implementation of the Wabanaki Studies law (LD 291) that requires all Maine schools to teach Wabanaki studies. Plus additional resources.

A non-exhaustive list of Wabanaki educators for hire to guest speak at schools and in communities.

Project-based Learning Modules by Grade Level

Wabanaki educators and community members have created a multitude of Wabanaki Studies resources for all grade levels and subject areas. MEEA is committed to ensuring teachers utilize them in their classrooms to meet the Wabanaki Studies requirements. Below are modules available for use through the Maine Dept. of Education’s MOOSE Wabanaki Studies Learning Progression.

Click the plus (+) sign to expand the Grade Level MOOSE Module and learn more about each lesson.

  • View PreK-2 MOOSE Module here. This module introduces the five Wabanaki Nations and their languages. Learners will gather a better understanding of the people that lived here first and that they are still a strong, vibrant part of what is now called Maine.

  • View Grade 3-5 MOOSE Module here. This module explores writers, storytellers, basket makers, and other artists that are using their voice to bring awareness to environmental issues that the Wabanaki Nations face today. Students will be empowered with the tools they gain to use their own voice to encourage others to better care for the spaces around them.

  • View Grades 6-8 MOOSE Module here. In this module learners will increase their own awareness of becoming a steward of our water while conserving and preserving our planet’s water supply, especially in what is now called Maine.

  • View Grades 9-12 MOOSE Module here.

    "How can I partner with Wabanaki conservationists to work towards the healing of our environment? How are some of these issues negatively impacting what is now called Maine and the Wabanaki way of life?"

    As you embark upon this journey, you will reflect on your learnings about the past, and present issues of environmental harm in what we all call home. Through poetry, art, and journaling you will express your voice as a way to honor our environment. Reflecting on your learning journey throughout the module, your voice can continue to be heard when you reach out to legislators, nonprofit groups, or other groups calling others to action. In this way, you will become allied with the Wabanaki conservationists you learned about. By reaching out to stakeholders, you will have the opportunity to impact our state as informed and engaged changemakers.

  • View Grades 9-12 MOOSE Module here.

    What does community mean to you? How can communities strengthen us? How can communities strengthen others communities? How we learn from other communities? What is the importance of community in Wabanaki Nations in today's world? 

    In this module, you will learn how the Wabanaki people holistically approach their community, self, and environment, and how this approach can benefit all. Hopefully, this journey will inspire and empower you to create positive change. 

    As you explore this module, you will focus on answering the questions, "How has my exploration of Wabanaki communities changed my perception of the world I live in?" and "How can I use this new knowledge to help others?" 

  • View Grades 9-12 MOOSE Module here.

    In this module, you will spend some time researching Wabanaki culture to deepen your understanding of this interconnected, yet mutually beautiful, relationship between place and identity. Much of who the Wabanaki are has been shaped by where they live. This module will have you exploring geographic features, their names, and their connection to the Wabanaki and Mother Earth -- all of this to impact future generations and their understanding of identity and place!

  • View Grades 9-12 MOOSE Module here.

    The Wabanaki, the People of the Dawn, were born when Gluskabe shot an arrow into an ash tree and the people stepped forth from the trunk. Gluskabe then taught them how to weave strips of wood from the tree into baskets. The Wabanaki were born from, and into, this fine art.

    In this module, we’ll examine the artworks of five Wabanaki artists: Gina Brooks, Wolastiqiyik (Maliseet) painter and illustrator; Jeremy Frey, Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) basketmaker;  Tim Shay, Panawahpskek (Penobscot) sculptor;  Alan Syliboy, Mi'kmaq painter and animator; and Mali Obomsawin, Abenaki musician. These five artists draw on traditions and imagery from Wabanaki culture to create their art.

    After getting to know the five artists and their artworks, you will branch out to discover more hidden talents in the Wabanaki art world and bring awareness to their beautiful and powerful art.

Book Recommendations

This is not an exhaustive list of Wabanaki studies books available. Want to add a book to this list? Click here.

Picture Books:

The First Blade of Sweetgrass  by Suzanne Greenlaw & Gabriel Frey
Little People of the Dawn  by Miquansis Sapiel & Minsoss Sapiel-Bobadilla
My Powerful Hair  by Carole Lindstrom & Stephanie Littlebird
Rock Your Mocs by Laurel Goodluck & Madeline Goodnight
We Are Still Here by Traci Sorell & Frane Lessac

Middle Grade:

Eagle Drums  by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
Mascot  byTraci Sorell & Charles Waters
Two Tribes  by Emily Bowen Cohen
We Still Belong  by Christine Day

Young Adult

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults  by Robin Wall Kimmerer & Monique Gray Smith
The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar- Ortiz, Debbie Reese & Jean Mendoza
Rez Ball  by Byron Graves

Wabanaki Studies Project Ideas

Below are suggestions from Brianne Lolar, Wabanaki Studies Specialist and Panawahpskek citizen.