During the 2020-2021 school year, Stand in for Nebraska’s Youth Collaborative, got inspired through the Indian Center’s Healing Garden example. Students became curious with indigenous approaches to sustainable gardening methods along with the larger cultural and historical dimensions.
Lincoln High School is Nebraska’s most diverse high school in which over thirty first languages are spoken and over half the student body identifies as BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color).
After a harrowing 2020, students also observed an acute need for racial healing in their school and larger community. Students successfully advocated for this new project, secured grant monies to get it started, and are looking forward to promoting school healing and pride through spring 2021 gardening, surrounding mural developments, and constructing an enclosed fence.
Social Studies educators also are developing corresponding curriculum that blends the student-generated and led project with indigenous learning.
Stand in for Nebraska’s Youth Collaborative will proudly dedicate their 2021 indigenous garden and public art murals to 2020 youth most impacted by the pandemic.