New bill would strengthen decades-old law requiring Wabanaki history to be taught in schools

A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers wants to strengthen a decades-old law that requires Wabanaki history to be taught in Maine schools. The landmark state law passed more than two decades ago mandates that Maine schools to teach Wabanaki history, economics and culture. But the law had never been fully implemented and the Maine Department of Education largely did not enforce it. A new bill would give schools the push they need by permanently reestablishing the Wabanaki Studies Commission. It also directs the Maine Department of Education to create and fund a training program for teachers on Wabanaki history and culture. The department would review Wabanaki studies curriculum from a sampling of Maine schools every five years.