Indigenous Perspectives That Inspire, Educate, and Create Lasting Change

For many audiences, Native American history and culture has been presented through textbooks, stereotypes, or historical events disconnected from living Indigenous communities.

As an enrolled member of the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada, educator, researcher, and award-winning author, Dr. Jackie Cope brings a voice that bridges Indigenous knowledge, academic research, and practical education. Her presentations invite audiences to move beyond learning about Native Americans and toward understanding Indigenous perspectives that continue to shape our communities today.

Whether speaking to educators, universities, tribal organizations, museums, nonprofits, government agencies, or community groups, Dr. Cope creates engaging presentations that combine storytelling, history, educational research, and authentic lived experience.

Her goal is simple:

To help people see Native communities with greater understanding, respect, and curiosity while providing practical knowledge they can immediately apply.

August 2026

Teaching California Native History Through the Seven Essential Understandings

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center

How do we teach California Native history in a way that moves beyond isolated historical events and toward a deeper understanding of Native peoples, cultures, sovereignty, and contemporary life?

In this presentation, Dr. Jackie Cope introduces the Seven Essential Understandings of California Native History and Culture as a framework for transforming how California Indian history is taught and understood. Drawing from Indigenous perspectives, historical sources, educational research, and lived experience, she explores concepts including cultural diversity among California Tribal Nations, connection to land and place, sovereignty, historical perspective, government policies, and the continued presence and resilience of Native communities.

Rather than treating Native history as a single chapter in California's past, the Seven Essential Understandings provide educators and organizations with a foundation for examining history through multiple perspectives and connecting the past to the Native Nations and communities of California today.

The presentation challenges common assumptions about Native American history while offering a practical framework educators can use to create more accurate, meaningful, and culturally responsive learning experiences.

Presented for Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's webinar series.

July 2026

Indigenous California: Then, Now, Always with Alicia Benally & Jackie Cope

This presentation explores the history and culture of the Cahuilla people and neighboring tribal nations. Learn about contemporary Indigenous communities and gain a deeper understanding of tribal sovereignty, culture, and connection to place. This presentation provides important context for the upcoming Cultural Explorations travel program while challenging common misconceptions about California Native peoples. This presentation serves to explain that Indigenous California is not only part of the past, but a living, thriving, and enduring presence today and into the future.