MCAN! Climate Change and Wabanaki Culture in Maine
Provided by: Maine Climate Action Now|Published on: August 17, 2023
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Biology, History, English Language Arts
Authors: Maine Climate Action Now, Natalie Michelle, PH.D
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Maine
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This detailed article examines Wabanaki culture and philosophy, what traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is and why it's important, and how climate change is impacting Wabanaki culture and practices.
- Students will learn about Wabanaki culture, which is collectivistic and ecologically conscious, the multi-faceted framework that guides many Indigenous people as they interact with the environment, and the many ways that climate change is causing economic and cultural difficulties for the Wabanaki people.
- The article includes infographics and links to a number of other resources and reports that enhance and extend learning.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The article gives a unique perspective and helps students understand the importance of cultural and local environmental knowledge.
- The article is thorough and well-organized.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students may need some vocabulary terms defined prior to reading this article.
- Students will need devices and access to the Internet to click on the links in the article.
Differentiation
- This article could enhance a lesson on how climate change is impacting some groups of people more than others.
- This article could supplement a classroom discussion on how Native American cultures value the environment, how other cultures value the environment, how these values are different in various countries or regions, and why these differences matter.
- The linked scientific reports could be used in language arts and science classes as examples of formal writing and communicating complex concepts and information.
- This article could support a lesson about the value of wilderness areas, Indigenous lands, conservation easements, and wildlife corridors.
In this article, readers are introduced to how climate change is affecting Native American culture (specifically the Wabanaki culture) in the Maine area. Multiple tribes make up the Wabanaki people. The article introduces readers to the idea of traditional knowledge systems, concepts, and approaches used by the Wabanaki people to learn from and have a holistic relationship with the natural world. The article introduces solutions and concerns posed by the Wabanaki people and explains why Native science and the inclusion of Native communities is necessary to address climate change. This article also provides links to more information and resources. The information presented is accurate and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
