Education Everywhere — Teachers who want to bring the history of Michigan indigenous people to their classrooms have an opportunity to learn from an Anishnaabe historian.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is hosting a full-day professional development event for secondary educators (grades 6-12) in social studies, history and civics who want to weave local native history into their classrooms. Eric Hemenway, an Anishnaabe historian from Northern Michigan, will share several diverse primary sources and tips on how to best use them in the classroom. He’ll also discuss how best to teach sensitive topics such as Indian removal and Indian boarding schools.
Teachers will be able to earn continuing education credit hours by taking part in the Oct. 17 event. Space is limited and registration will close on Oct. 10. The cost for the event is $35 and includes parking and lunch.
The Anishnaabe people were indigenous to areas of the Great Lakes, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Ontario and Quebec, and many descendants still live in the area. The museum features a core exhibit on the Anishnaabe called “Anishinabek: The People of This Place.”