IEFA Current for October
MT Indigenous Peoples' Day October 12th. Celebrate the first ever Indigenous Peoples Day for the state of MT. Legislation was passed in 2025 where Montana now officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day alongside Columbus Day, allowing communities to celebrate either or both holidays. Utilize these lesson plans for teaching about Columbus and colonization.
Critical Thinking About the Arrival of Columbus – Grades 6–8 *
Human Settlement Patterns – Rethinking Columbus *
The Colonization Era – Interview with Dr. James Loewen *
Using Primary Source Documents to Understand Tribal Sovereignty
Sign up for The Native Filmmaker Initiative Film Club. This is a virtual youth education outreach program that screens a curated selection of Indigenous-made documentary films in classrooms across Montana. Register here.
Make plans now to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November
IEFA Tours at the new Montana Heritage Center
The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) is proud to offer FREE field trips to teachers and students from across the state. Utilize your school’s IEFA funds to support your trip to Helena.
In 2026-2027, MTHS will offer a special field trip of the Homeland Gallery that supports IEFA content and standards.
In this 1.5-hour tour of the Homeland Gallery, students journey through more than 10,000 years of history, from ancient ice fields to the vibrant communities of today. They discover how generations of people have shaped—and been shaped by—this by the landscape of Montana. With specific content highlighting Montana OPI’s Seven Essential Understandings Regarding Montana Indians, the fieldtrip includes interactive exhibits and guided activities to enrich and bolster Indian Education for All Curriculum in the classroom.
Use this form to reserve your fieldtrip to the new Montana Heritage Center, Capitol, or Original Governor's Mansion. Please indicate in the section on special needs, or accommodations if you would like an IEFA specific tour of the Homeland Gallery.
https://mhs-mt.libwizard.com/id/b4ed0f6450ebbdf2ae05b193666632bf
Contact tour scheduler Leah Tietz @Leah.Tietz@mt.gov if you have any questions.
IEFA Professional Development
Please reach out to the IEFA team if you have any questions or if you would like us to provide on-site and/or virtual professional development for your school.
Be sure to check out our IEFA page for upcoming webinars throughout the school year.
The OPI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, require an alternate format, or have questions concerning accessibility, contact the OPI ADA Coordinator, 406-444-3161, opiada@mt.gov, Relay Service: 711.
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