An Act relative to celebrating and teaching Native American culture and history

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jack Lewis

Expands MA K-12 standards to require explicit Native American history, culture, and sovereignty (Massachusetts tribes and historic ties), developed with tribal consultation.

Overview

HD 1916 proposes to strengthen Massachusetts public school standards by expanding instruction on Native American culture, history, and contemporary issues. The bill would amend the standards used for K-12 education to ensure explicit coverage of a broad range of Native American topics and perspectives, with an emphasis on tribes and histories connected to Massachusetts.

Key Provisions

Amendment to: The third paragraph of section 1D of chapter 69 of the General Laws (as appeared in the 2018 Official Edition).

New instruction requirements (inserted sentence after the existing second sentence):

(i) Tribal history and current issues of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, Mashpee Wampanoag, and other Wampanoag tribes in Massachusetts; the Massachuset, the Nipmuc, and other Native American tribes existing within Massachusetts.
(ii) Information about tribes and confederacies with historic ties to Massachusetts, such as the Wabanaki Confederacy.
(iii) Tribal history of Native Americans throughout the United States.
(iv) Tribal sovereignty and governance, treaty rights, genocide, Native American cultures, languages, and socioeconomic experiences.
(v) Ongoing issues common to contemporary Native Americans throughout Massachusetts.

Development of standards: The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education would be responsible for developing these standards.

Consultation requirement: In developing the standards, the board must consult consistently with the special relationship between the Commonwealth and Native Americans, as molded by Treaty and Agreement, Legislative Act, and Executive Order.

Who Is Affected

Students in Massachusetts public schools (K-12) who would receive instruction aligned to the new standards.

Teachers, curriculum developers, and school districts responsible for implementing the standards.

Native American tribes and communities within Massachusetts (including Aquinnah Wampanoag, Mashpee Wampanoag, Massachuset, Nipmuc, and other tribes) and tribes with historic ties to Massachusetts (e.g., Wabanaki Confederacy).

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education as the standards-setting body.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Status: The bill is a proposed measure filed to amend current education law.

Legislative process: As with other education standards changes, passage would require approval by both chambers and the governor. The text provided does not specify funding or timeline for implementation.

Historical context: A similar matter was filed in a previous session (House Bill 529 in 2023-2024), indicating ongoing legislative interest in Native American education standards.

Potential Impact

Educational impact: Formalized, explicit instruction on Native American history, sovereignty, cultures, languages, and contemporary issues, with attention to Massachusetts tribes and those tied to the state.

Cultural awareness: Increased understanding of Native American communities and their enduring relationships with Massachusetts.

Implementation considerations: Possible need for teacher training, curricular resources, and collaboration with Native communities to develop appropriate materials. No funding provisions are specified in the text.

Bill