Deep Organizing and Indigenous Studies Legislation in Oregon

Abstract

Passed in 2017 in Oregon, Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) Tribal History/Shared History mandated and supported the development of curriculum on tribal history, governance, and sovereignty in K-12 public schools. The law follows the lead of states like Montana and Washington, among others, who value and promote Indigenous studies curriculum for all students. Successful coalition building strategies of Indigenous educators in Oregon are highlighted here to honor their efforts and to support others developing similar initiatives elsewhere. We focus on memories, foundational policies and practices that laid the groundwork for this initiative; and moments, more recent coalition building strategies that led to the passage of SB 13. The value of such initiatives lies in the curricular resources developed and taught, as well as in the process of collective organizing and advocacy itself.