The Pennfield School is proud to announce that our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) program has been awarded a Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) Project Grant for Education for the 2024-2025 school year. The grant supports an exciting initiative titled An Integrated Study of Indigenous Nations and How Their Arts Are Inspired by Their Local Environment.
In weekly Diversity Classes, students in grades 5 through 8 are engaged in a comparative study of Indigenous Nations. By examining geography and daily life, students are exploring how traditional and contemporary artwork reflects the natural environments of these cultures.
Southwestern and Eastern Woodland Nations
This fall, students have been learning about the Pueblos of the Southwest and the Indigenous Nations of the Eastern Woodlands. Each week, students record their observations and reflections in sketchbooks, blending writing and drawing to deepen their understanding.
In art activities tied to their studies:
- Students molded miniature pots using terracotta Model Magic, inspired by designs from Hopi Pueblos, and decorated their air-dried pots while listening to the Hopi legend of Spider Woman.
- After hearing the Eastern Woodland Ojibwe legend, How the Birch Tree Got Its Burn, students created birch-bark-style collages using decorative papers and drew traditional Wampanoag story symbols. They then wrote and shared original stories with their classmates.
Through these activities, students not only connect with Indigenous art forms but also appreciate the enduring power of storytelling in preserving history, spirituality, and traditions.
Northern Northwest Coast and Great Plains Nations
As the year progresses, students will continue their studies by exploring the art and culture of the Indigenous Nations of the Northern Northwest Coast and the nomadic tribes of the Great Plains.
This integrated approach to learning fosters cultural understanding and creativity, offering students a meaningful way to connect with the rich histories and traditions of Indigenous Peoples.