Equity Resources
Land Acknowledgment
MEA Committees Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Human and Civil Rights & Social Justice (HCRSJ) collaborated to develop the following Land Acknowledgment.
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather in Maine, is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Wabanaki Nations — the Penobscot Nation (Penawapskewi), Passamaquoddy Tribe (Peskotomuhkati), Mi’kmaq Nation, and Maliseet (Wolastoqiyik) peoples, who are collectively known as the People of the Dawnland. These Nations have lived on and cared for this land, its waterways, and surrounding landscapes since time immemorial, long before the establishment of current borders and communities.1
Lands in Maine are historically tied to Wabanaki settlement and travel, where kinship networks thrived for generations. 2
We recognize the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization — including forced displacement, broken treaties, and cultural erasure – and affirm that Indigenous peoples continue to live, lead, and contribute to the cultural, environmental, judicial, and social life of this place today. 3
We honor the witness, resilience, and stewardship of Wabanaki Nations past, present, and future, and commit ourselves to learning, reflection, and meaningful partnerships that support their rights, sovereignty, and well-being.
We encourage everyone here to learn more about individual Wabanaki cultures and histories, support their organizations, and consider how our work and community life can reflect, respect, reciprocate, and encourage justice for all.4
Sources:
- University of Maine at Augusta
- Colby Museum
- Natural Resources Council of Maine
- Maine Education Association Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Committee
Social and Racial Justice
MEA works to ensure our educators have the tools they need to support a diverse student population.
Black History Month Classroom Resources
MEA Has Compiled Resources For Integrating African-American Culture & History into Your Curriculum
Responding to Racial Justice Issues Toolkit
This online toolkit provides an introduction to be multiple facets of diversity.
Diversity Toolkit
Supporting English Language Learners
Research-based and classroom-focused instructional and advocacy strategies to help educators.
Social Justice News
Latest social justice updates from around the nation.
LGBTQ+ Issues in Schools
Racial Justice in Education Links
Racial Justice in Education Resource Guide Components
Leaders For Just Schools
Become a leader to advance equity in your building and district.
MEA and NEA are building a national network of educators who are prepared to advance equitable outcomes for students. Created by educators for educators, the curriculum allows participants to:
- Dive into understanding equity
- Investigate how bias impacts conditions of teaching and learning
- Explore ways in which they can improve school culture so that every student has the opportunity to succeed
The curriculum is grounded in real-life experiences in schools across the country, so the content is real, relatable, and actionable.