It didn’t happen quickly, but with perseverance and determination, a partnership between the Lake County tribes and the Lake County Office of Education has resulted in a new curriculum dedicated to the history of the Lake County Pomo.

“It was a great experience to see us bring some history to the table and the LCOE staff put it together and develop this curriculum with it,” said Fawn Rave, Robinson Rancheria’s education director.

The curriculum was developed as part of the Lake County Strong lesson plans, created by LCOE’s Educational Services Department. These plans cover multiple school subjects and focus specifically on Lake County.

The decision to include a section for Lake County Pomo was met with excitement. LCOE’s education specialists, a team of experienced individuals with teaching credentials who coach and support district employees, were able to focus the lessons around state teaching standards.

“We are extremely invested in this partnership between the tribes and LCOE. We want to take the resources they give us and make them come alive,” said Deputy Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Lenners.

Upper Lake Unified School District recently introduced the curriculum in their elementary school.

“I am in high hopes all school districts will incorporate this curriculum into their lessons,” said Joy Marcks, education director at Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake. The Lake County Pomo lesson plans consist of five subjects, including natural resources, oral traditions, ceremonies and gatherings, history, and language. “There are lesson plans available for kindergarten through 12th grade. Each section builds as students move up in grade level,” said Erika Barrish, LCOE education specialist.

Members of the partnership team include Kristin Amparo, Big Valley Rancheria; Thomas Brown and Rose Steele, Elem Band of Pomo; Joy Marcks, Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake; Fawn Rave, Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California; and the LCOE’s team of education specialists. Learn more at lakecoe.org/EducationResources.

“It is fantastic to work with our local tribes to develop curriculum that has real meaning for our Lake County students,” said Brock Falkenberg, Lake County superintendent of schools. “I celebrate the work of this team.”