Oregon’s Senate Bill 13 (SB13) marked a historic shift in how the state approaches education about its Native peoples. The law requires schools to teach a comprehensive, accurate, and culturally grounded Native American curriculum developed in partnership with Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes. Passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2017, SB13 directs the Oregon Department of Education to create K–12 curriculum that centers Native history, culture, sovereignty, treaty rights and contemporary experiences, and to support educators with sustained professional learning.(Oregon)
At its heart, the law is rooted in the belief that Oregon students deserve a complete and honest understanding of the state’s history and the lived experiences of Native communities, and that educators need the tools and relationships to teach this content effectively.(Oregon)
This winter and spring, educators from across Central Oregon are answering that call through the 2026 Tribal History/Shared History Series, a three-part workshop designed to support meaningful implementation of SB13—beyond compliance and into thoughtful, classroom-centered practice.
Led by Laurie Danzuka, Native American Success Coordinator, and Rochelle Williams, Regional Director of School Improvement, the series invites educators to explore the Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon and apply them through culturally responsive curriculum design, identity-centered learning, and relationship building with Native students, families and communities.
“I think the training allows for meaningful dialogue that is helpful to all as we implement this curriculum in our schools,” said Danzuka. “It’s also important to understand that implementation is ongoing throughout the school year and not one and done.”
Participants are engaging with the historical context and contemporary realities of Indigenous communities, examining critical orientations of Indigenous Studies, and exploring instructional resources that align with the statewide curriculum frameworks. Each session includes collaborative time for lesson integration and planning, helping educators connect SB13’s requirements to their own classrooms and content areas.
The first session took place on February 9 at Warm Springs K-8 Academy, the second on March 5 at the Bend-La Pine Education Center, and the final workshop will be held April 6 at the High Desert Regional Education Center in Redmond. Across this series, educators will build continuity in their learning and deepen their understanding of how tribal histories are woven into all areas of study.
“This work isn’t about checking a box,” said Williams. “It’s about understanding the histories and voices that have too often been marginalized in our schools and growing our capacity as educators to teach with accuracy, empathy and respect.”
SB13’s vision goes beyond history or social studies—it infuses Native perspectives throughout the curriculum and invites all students to reflect on place, presence, power and partnerships. It underscores that Native American peoples have lived in what is now Oregon since time immemorial, and that true education must include their voices, contributions and worldviews.(Oregon Instructional Frameworks)
Through workshops like the Tribal History/Shared History Series, educators are gaining not only knowledge but confidence and connection—ensuring classrooms become spaces where every student encounters a more complete, truthful and human story of Oregon.
For more information, contact Rochelle Williams at rochelle.williams@hdesd.org.