Wabanaki Studies
In 2001, Maine passed a landmark law — An Act to Require Teaching of Maine Native American History and Culture in Maine Schools (Chapter 403, Title 20-A MRSA 4706). Commonly known as LD 291, it was the first law of its kind in the nation. Despite this historic step, the law has not been fully implemented across schools in Maine, even after the important work of the Wabanaki Studies Commission in the early 2000s.
Portland Public Schools is proud to be the first district in Maine to design and carry out a comprehensive, standards aligned, Wabanaki Studies curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 11, which includes upwards of 300 lessons. This curriculum was developed over seven years through close collaboration between Wabanaki advisors and PPS educators. More than 100 individuals and partner organizations contributed to its creation, including over 60 contributors from the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet/Wolastoqiyik, Mi’kmaq, and Abenaki nations.
The foundation of this work grew from the partnership between a PPS educator and a Passamaquoddy mother whose two children attended PPS during the early years of curriculum development. Their collaboration helped spark the effort that has grown into today’s districtwide Wabanaki Studies program.
The curriculum’s environmental literacy components were a key factor in Portland Public Schools being recognized as the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) School District of the Year in 2024.
How the Curriculum Was Created
The Wabanaki Studies curriculum grew out of a deep collaboration between Wabanaki advisors, Portland Public Schools educators, and community partners. More than 100 contributors, including representatives from all Wabanaki Nations in Maine, helped shape the work. Guided by educational standards and an MOU that protects Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, the curriculum was designed to honor Wabanaki knowledge, ensure accuracy, and build lasting connections between students, history, and the environment.
Curriculum in Practice
Today, the curriculum offers a full set of teacher-ready units for grades PreK–11, along with custom artwork, films, texts, and professional development for educators. Lessons are designed to be engaging, hands-on, and connected to both local ecosystems and Wabanaki knowledge. With more than 300 lessons, original resources, and outdoor learning opportunities, the curriculum provides students with meaningful ways to learn about Wabanaki history, culture, and the environment.
Explore More Resources
These public-facing documents provide additional background, guidance, and stories connected to the Wabanaki Studies curriculum. Families, students, educators, and community members can use these resources to learn more and explore the development of this work.
Access the Wabanaki Studies Curriculum & Support the Work
If your school district would like to use the Wabanaki Studies curriculum created in a collaboration between Wabanaki advisors and Portland Public Schools teachers over seven years, please complete this form by March 1, 2026. Please note that all Maine Indian Ed Schools have access to the entire curriculum already and do not need to complete this form:
If you would like to support the continued development and sharing of this curriculum, we invite you to make a donation: