Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington State signed Senate Bill 5433 into law, on May 8, making it mandatory for schools in that state to educate students about the history of all indigenous nations. The 29 federally recognized tribes within Washington State, who will finally receive public recognition of their existence, have funded this curriculum initiative and thoroughly endorse the importance of its use.

Previous to the passage of the afore mentioned law in Washington tribal history was only ‘encouraged’ in schools. Supporters say the law, SB 5433, will give balance to history instruction, which has often ignored the state’s indigenous history.

In 9 years of public schooling it is likely that one will not learn anything about Native Americans, save the ‘first Thanksgiving’ and coverage of a few colonial scuffles, which could be argued as to historical acuracy.

It is likely to have learned nothing about the segregation of Native Americans from the white community mass discrimination, the forced sterilization of over 3,000 native women by the American government between the years of 1973 and 1976 (according to a study by the United States accounting office), the estimated genocide of 100 million of the people indigenous to America since the landing of the Mayflower, and almost no mention of The Trail of Tears.

Although there is a good chance that the hole described in education is unique, a 2014 study by Sarah Shear, an associated professor of Social Studies at Pennsylvania State University in Altoona confirms that Neshaminy School District’s curriculum is paralleled in all 50 states.

The study shows that New Mexico is the only state to mention, by name, a member of the American Indian Movement, Nebraska textbooks portray Natives as lazy, drunk or criminal,Ninety-percent of all manuscripts used in school written about Native people are authored by non-Native writers.

Likened to that of Neshaminy, the previous curriculum in Washington encompassed “Nothing about the fact that tribes are still fighting to be recognized and determine sovereignty,” said Shear. In Pennsylvania, there are currently 8 tribes residing.

Not only is native history not within school curriculum in Pennsylvania, but the state still refuses to recognize tribes, although many other states have recognized the tribes that they encompass. For years, the Lenape Nation of Southeastern Pennsylvania and other American Indian groups have pushed for state certification, which would give tribes access to scholarships, government benefits, even a renewed sense of pride.

Neshaminy, along with many other districts, continues to refrain from teaching indigenous histories despite the enormous impact Native American culture has had on the Neshaminy community in particular. The name ‘Neshaminy’, in fact, derives from the Lenape word “Nischam-hanne” meaning: “two streams” or “double stream.

“It’s about time that true native people’s history is taught… written in the words of native people….when the history is finally told from the native perspective then, and only then, will the truths about genocide, abuse and discrimination be told…. citizens are taught the horrific details of the Jewish holocaust while the Native American holocaust is hidden…,” said local Native American rights activist, Donna Boyle, on the subject of the Washington curriculum change.

“America doesn’t want to admit the atrocities inflicted on Native people, sponsored by its government..it’s a shameful past but in order for us to move forward and be equal the true Native story must be told,” continued Boyle “There is such beauty in the many Native tribes and nations but only the truth can help understand the native cultures… true history will give people a better understanding of how, and why, certain words and behaviors by non-natives are not acceptable.”

While Natives in Washington are one step closer to justice, those in Pennsylvania are still struggling. “We are trying to change the way native history is taught and we are making progress, slowly, but surely,” Commented Boyle.

As the Native American community is treading the hard path to justice, another generation of students is falling to ignorance of the history of the land, and people surrounding them, and many to that of their own families. Without interference from community members that value education, and equality, another generation will spring into adult hood holding the belief that it is acceptable to use the representation of victims of a mass genocide as a mascot.

There is a great urge for community members to aid the Native American community in their struggle for historical and educational justice because; after all, what makes one atrocity less worth teaching than any other, especially if has taken place in your own
country.