First Light Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Workshop for Teachers

First Light Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Workshop for Teachers

June 29 – July 1, 2026
9:00AM – 4:00PM

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth

• This three-day workshop will teach you how to incorporate indigenous understanding into your curriculum to address today’s issues of sustainability and historical accuracy. Learn directly from Wampanoag cultural education specialists. Visit places that connect Wampanoag people to local and regional history that are still important in today’s thriving tribal communities.
  • Virtual callback meeting November 10, 2026, from 6:00PM – 8:00PM
  • 30 PDPS – Attend all sessions, implement with your class and report back with reflection paper and virtual presentations in November.
  • Grades and subjects targeted: 2-12, interdisciplinary, STREAMSS (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, Math, and Social Studies)
  • Open to all school districts
  • Readings: Braiding Sweetgrass (Robin Wall Kimmerer), To Speak for the Trees (Diana Beresford-Kroeger)

Locations: Waquoit Bay Reserve, Old Indian Meeting House, Wampanoag Tribal Center, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum.

Registration: Registration is required (space is limited).

Limited rustic dormitory lodging (bunkbeds) available at the Waquoit Bay Reserve. First-come, first-served. Please contact Sonia.Ahrabi-Nejad@mass.gov.

Planned Activities include:
• The Big Concepts: To Speak for the Trees and Braiding Sweetgrass.
• Engineering design and traditional ecological knowledge related to Weekuw, Muhsh8n (traditional canoe), fishing weir.
• Traditional foodways and connections to the bay.
• Traditional Wampanoag lunches.
• Three Sisters Garden, corn husk dolls, and other hands-on activities.
• How to choose culturally appropriate books and learning activities for your students. Sharing indigenous knowledge in the classroom.
• Tour of Old Indian Meeting House, tour of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Museum and Herring run.
• Tour of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Center.

November 10, 2026: Virtual Evening Session: Attendees will present how they implemented resources in classroom. Turn in reflection paper (template will be provided).

Questions? Contact:
• Kitty Hendricks, Cultural Education Specialist, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, gertrude.hendricks@mwtribe-nsn.gov
• Sonia Ahrabi-Nejad, Education Coordinator, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, sonia.ahrabi-nejad@mass.gov