Who Walks Among Us

For my final capstone project during college, I collaborated with Mapleton Montessori in Boulder, Colorado, focusing on creating a new educational tool for preschool classrooms. Inspired by my passion for anthropology and environmental studies, I developed an indigenous learning curriculum highlighting Boulder's native tribes—the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Ute. The project aimed to reconnect children with local indigenous culture through interactive activities.

Central to the curriculum were learning cards featuring animals significant to each tribe. During circle time, children identified these animals, learned their names in Arapaho, and discovered their roles in the local ecosystem. Additionally, I crafted wooden wearable paddles using a CNC mill, enabling children to simulate animal movements and leave footprints in the sandbox, reinforcing their understanding of indigenous fauna.

Ethical research was paramount. I collaborated with CU Boulder's Center for Native and Indigenous Studies to access the Arapaho language database and partnered with Right Relationship Boulder, advocating for indigenous education in local schools. This project not only enriched preschool education but also fostered cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship among young learners.