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Sealaska Heritage Institute has produced a unique collection of Haida curriculum with audio CDs for distribution to schools with Haida language programs in hopes of weaving more Native lessons into the public school system.

The curriculum, a series of elementary-level, thematic units, features Haida language, culture and history. The units were developed in Ketchikan and Hydaburg over three years and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The curriculum is unique because it's the first Haida language and culture curriculum done on a broad scale that meets state academic and cultural standards.

The project is part of the institute's goal to perpetuate and preserve the languages and cultures of Southeast Alaska Natives, said SHI President Rosita Worl.

"One of the ways that we accomplish this is through systemic change. Systemic change means we're trying to integrate our language and culture into the school system," Worl said. "This curriculum allows us to bring to the schools elementary curriculum that reflects the world view, the language, the culture and even the history of the Haida Indians."

The audio of Haida was recorded by fluent speaker Erma Lawrence and Lachler. The curriculum and audio are available through SHI's Haida Linguist Dr. Jordan Lachler and on theinternet at www.sealaskaheritage.org/programs/language_and_culture_curriculum_haida.htm.