Learning California's Native History: A Necessary Change

Learning that your ancestors faced brutal attacks and forced labor, yet their stories are barely mentioned in history books. For Native American students in California, this will soon change. A new law makes it mandatory for schools to teach about the hardships and resilience of Native Californians during the Gold Rush and mission periods. Santos Manuel, a tribal leader who survived a deadly massacre, would be proud. His descendants are ensuring that future generations will learn the true history. Experts say teaching this tough topic can foster empathy and a better understanding of current issues. It’s not just about tragedy; students should also learn about Native culture, like basket-weaving in art class or healing practices in health class. But implementing this change won’t be easy. Teachers need proper training and funding. It’s a big task, and Native students often struggle with school, but this law is a step forward.