Ancestral Memory: Indigenous Art, History, and Language

The Eastern Woodlands are home to Indigenous peoples whose histories, cultures, and traditions extend long before European contact and continue to shape the region today. This session with Indigenous artist and cultural consultant Tecumseh Ceaser offers an introduction to Native history before and after first contact, examining key events, laws, and movements and their lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Participants will also learn about cultural practices and traditions including language, land stewardship, wampum (quahog shell), and art. Together, these topics offer a critical lens for considering how Indigenous histories and cultures have been represented, remembered, and understood.

Participants will learn about the traditional medium and practice of wampum carving, as well as the cultural significance of land, language, art, and stewardship. Educators will reflect on the ways Indigenous histories have been shaped by colonial encounters and dominant historical narratives, while considering how traditional knowledge and cultural practices continue to inform Indigenous life today.

Featured Scholar

Tecumseh Ceaser (Matinecock, Turkey Clan; Montaukett; Unkechaug descent) is an Indigenous artist, cultural consultant, and wampum carver. Born and raised in Queens, NY, the homeland of the Matinecock, he works in the traditional medium and practice of wampum (quahog shell) carving. He frequently collaborates with organizations to bring cultural programming to Native and other communities.

Tecumseh currently serves as the Director of Education and Strategic Planning at Metoac Indigenous Collective and as an advisor for the Global Indigenous Youth Caucus at the United Nations, where he advocates for Indigenous rights. His work centers on cultural revitalization and preservation and the empowerment of traditional knowledge among Long Island Native peoples. Drawing from the knowledge of Native elders as well as his experience in advocacy, Tecumseh works to strengthen awareness and understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures. He is currently in residence at Flushing Town Hall and is based in New York City.

A Taste of the 2026 Summer Educator Residency

In conversation with the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 2026 Educator Summer Residency explored the topic of nationhood and indigenous continuance. This session extends those discussions and invites educators to center indigenous futures.

Eligible NYS educators can earn 1.5 CTLE credit hours for their participation. To receive CTLE credit, participants must attend the full program and complete the required evaluation.

Presented by the Center for Educators and Schools at The New York Public Library.

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