Partnership with tribal education leaders grows

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Individuals who attended the “Jules Tavernier and the Elem Pomo” exhibit include Garrick Bjur, Upper Lake High School; Adam “Crow” Morgan, Carle High School; Vincent Monreal, Konocti Education Center; Katie Daitoku, Kelseyville High School; Fawn Rave, Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California; and Katie Ray, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians.

The Lake County Strong History Community of Practice is a partnership between Lake County history teachers and Lake County Pomo education leaders.

This partnership develops lesson plans that cover multiple school subjects and focus specifically on Lake County.

“It is fantastic to work with our local Tribes to develop curriculum that has real meaning for our Lake County students. I celebrate the work of this team,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.

The “Jules Tavernier and the Elem Pomo” exhibition at the deYoung includes more than a dozen paintings, watercolors, prints, and photographs by Jules Tavernier (1844–1889).

The group received a special tour by the exhibit curator, Christina Hellmich, and had a chance to discuss the implications of Tavernier’s painting “Dance in a Subterranean Roundhouse” on the Lake County Pomo community.

The visit to the deYoung Museum was part of a series of meetings this year hosted by the Lake County Office of Education Learning Support Specialists, a team of experienced individuals with teaching credentials who coach and support school district employees.

The exhibit puts forth a new interpretation of Jules Tavernier’s work of the Western United States by offering multiple voices and perspectives, including those of Pomo cultural leaders and curators.

It showcases more than 50 historical and contemporary Pomo baskets and regalia pieces that celebrate the artistry and resiliency of the Pomo artists.

The Lake County Strong History Community of Practice is currently working on a more in-depth version of the Lake County Strong Curriculum, which is a set of educational lesson plans that focus on Lake County.

Upper Lake Unified School District introduced the curriculum during the 2020-21 school year at their elementary school with great success with teachers and students.

The Lake County Pomo lesson plans consist of five different subjects. These include natural resources, oral traditions, ceremonies and gatherings, history, and language.

There are lesson plans available for kindergarten through 12th grade. Each section builds as students move up in grade level.