The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

VA Indian Heritage

Virginia Foundation for the Humanities

Beyond Jamestown:
Virginia Indians Past & Present

Second Annual Teachers' Institute
June 23-27, 2008
Williamsburg, VA at the College of William and Mary

"This was one of the best educational experiences I have ever participated in. I would love to see something like this available for educators in large numbers and for many years." - 2007 Participant

Photo: Powhatan Red Cloud 2007 Beyond Jamestown Faculty by U.Va. Public Affairs/Jane Haley. 

Join Us June 23-27, 2008

In Virginia, history and tradition are accorded the highest respect, yet many Virginians today know little about Virginia Indians. Indigenous elders and teachers alike have been asking for new curricula and materials to address the omissions of the past, and the Social Studies SOLs have just been revised to reflect a more contemporary understanding of Virginia’s first peoples and their past.

This seminar offers a rare opportunity to hear from Virginia Indian tribal speakers and chiefs, as well as from academic authorities on such topics as regional ecology, cultural misperceptions, and new ways to think about indigenous knowledge. Hands-on classroom activities and innovative lesson plans for all ages will be provided. A special field trip is planned, to visit a Virginia Indian reservation that has existed since the mid-1600s.

Highlights

  • This course is open to Virginia teachers (public and private school) at levels K-12.
  • The curriculum has been designed by Virginia Indians.
  • Chiefs and other tribal leaders will serve as faculty members, along with some of Virginia’s leading academic authorities.
  • The Institute will provide accurate information on Virginia Indian history and contemporary life and will offer indigenous perspectives on the past.
  • Half of the participants will be drawn from the immediate area surrounding Williamsburg. The other half will be drawn from throughout the state, with accommodations provided. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants.
  • The Institute will be held on the grounds of the College of William and Mary.
  • There is no charge to participants.
  • Teachers will receive copies of newly published resources designed for classroom use.
  • We will offer 32 Continuing Education credit hours.
  • The hours of the class will be 9-4 each day
  • Admission is limited, and an application is required.