MCAN! Climate Change and Wabanaki Culture in Maine

• This detailed article examines Wabanaki culture and philosophy, what traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is and why its 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.
  

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.