Understanding Wisconsin Act 31: A Commitment to Native American Education

Discover how Wisconsin Act 31 ensures Native American history, culture, and tribal sovereignty are included in the state’s social studies curriculum, fostering cultural understanding.

Understanding Wisconsin Act 31: A Commitment to Native American Education

Wisconsin Act 31, introduced in 1989 and expanded in 1991, is a groundbreaking legislative requirement ensuring the inclusion of Native American history, culture, and tribal sovereignty in the state’s social studies curriculum. This act underscores the importance of fostering awareness and respect for the federally recognized tribes and bands residing within Wisconsin.

What is Wisconsin Act 31?

The law mandates that every Wisconsin school board provide instruction on:

• The rich history of Native American communities.
• The cultural traditions and practices of Wisconsin's tribes.
• The concept of tribal sovereignty and its legal implications.

This comprehensive approach helps students develop an understanding of Native American contributions and their ongoing importance in Wisconsin and beyond.

Role of the Native American Task Force

In 2000, the Native American Task Force conducted a survey to assess the needs of educational institutions under Act 31. This survey aimed to identify gaps in educational materials and determine how public schools, colleges of education, and Cooperative Education Service Agencies could better support Act 31’s implementation. The findings provided a roadmap for producing resources to enhance classroom instruction.

Available Resources for Educators

The Native American Task Force, supported by UW-Extension, offers valuable materials and programs for teachers to meet Act 31 requirements. These include:

• Printed materials and guides: Comprehensive resources for teaching Native American history and culture.
• Act 31 Survey findings: Insights into schools' needs for educational support.
• Online resources: Accessible tools, such as those found on the UW-Extension website.

Why Wisconsin Act 31 Matters

Act 31 is more than an educational mandate — it is a recognition of the unique and essential place Native American tribes hold in Wisconsin's heritage. By integrating these teachings into the curriculum, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the enduring significance of tribal sovereignty.

Explore More

To learn more about Wisconsin Act 31 and access resources, visit the Native American Task Force homepage.

References and Further Reading

• Resources – Native American Task Force UW-Extension | Native American Task Force Home | Resources | Programs and Printed Materials | Act 31 Survey | Www.Uwex.Edu | Wisconsin Act 31 of 1989, and subsequent provisions of 1991, requires that each school board of Wisconsin, as part of their social studies curriculum, include instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the federally recognized Indian tribes and bands in Wisconsin.