About The Bennion Teachers' Workshop
What is the Bennion Teachers Workshop?
The Bennion Teachers' Workshop for the Perpetuation of Democratic Principles is a program made possible by an endowment to Utah State University's Mountain West Center for Regional Studies. The endowment was created by Ione Bennion, a teacher and community activist, to "provide an atmosphere and the educational resources to explore the concepts upon which democracy is built, the conditions under which it flourishes, and the dangers to its existence." Taught by Utah State University faculty and guest speakers who represent the latest scholarship in the topics presented, the workshops focus on giving inservice and pre-inservice teachers practical tools that they can use in the classroom.
Premise of the 2026 Bennion Teachers’ Workshop
This workshop for in-service, preservice, administrative, and post-secondary educators will explore the Indigenous fights for sovereignty, land rights, and cultural protections. It aims to help educators find solid paths to follow to inform themselves and others about the history, contributions, and rights of tribes within the United States–using some of the most effective media resources for educators, particularly from children’s literature. Learning the stories of people fighting for their citizenship, treaty rights, and cultural heritage fosters greater protection for and awareness of the rights of various ethnic and cultural groups in the U.S.
Sharing literature by Native voices can diminish prejudices, improve Native self-esteem and success, foster understanding and empathy, and create courteous and fair public discourse. Also, analyzing the problems that come from stereotypes and prejudices in various forms of media can prepare students to combat those misconceptions.
Educators from tribal and non-tribal backgrounds will benefit from this workshop that orients them in the issues and resources available in Indigenous studies. Awareness of tribal constitutional and treaty rights will make us better citizens and allies. Knowledge of cultural heritage and languages can develop confidence and growth on reservations and in the lives of urban Indians.