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Connections

Connections: How Native American history is taught in public schools

From the Washington Redskins to the Cleveland Indians to so-called “pow-wows” at summer camps, elements of Native American history are being used for commercial gain, and many people don't realize it's offensive toward Native Americans. Is there a knowledge gap when it comes to Native American culture? How are schools teaching Native American history?

Our guests from Ganondagan say most schools need improvement when it comes to their lesson plans about Native American history, but there are a few schools doing admirable work. We talk about what they’d like to see in the classroom, and we hear local success stories. In studio:

  • Peter Jemison, historic site manager for Ganondagan
  • Michael Galban, curator and historian at the Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan
  • Katie McFarland, director of professional development for the Canandaigua City School District
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
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