Waiting Patiently 500 Years–Washington Legislature Considers Requiring Tribal History in School Curriculum
Authors: Hurtado, Denny and Smith, Barbara Leigh
Disciplines: Education, History, Native American Studies, Political Science and Public Administration
Themes: Activism, Cultural Preservation, Education Reform, Law and Justice, Leadership
This case tells the story of the origin and passage of House Bill 1495 in the Washington State Legislature. This bill required the inclusion of tribal history, culture and government in the social studies curriculum in the public schools. The case discusses the early stages of the process of implementing this bill as well. The case provides a good opportunity to study leadership and the policymaking process in state legislatures as well as issues in Indian education.
