The lessons that you have before you include information from three different American Indian communities.    This knowledge has been carefully preserved for future generations.   Some of the stories that support the lessons are part of the traditional teachings that explain natural phenomena or teach a life lesson.   Often such stories are brought out only during wintertime.   Among the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes, Coyote stories are told only during the winter months.   Some people wait for the first snow to be on the ground, and others wait for deep cold when you can hear the trees pop.   That is when you know that the hibernating animals are sleeping.   In honoring this tradition, we ask the teacher to use these stories only during the appropriate winter season.   In doing so, you will teach your students respect and you will be continuing a tradition handed down generationally from time immemorial.   The authors of the lessons thank you for keeping the storytelling tradition alive.

Throughout the lessons and activities, it is often suggested to invite en elder or knowledgeable tribal member to share with your students.   If you invite a guest to the classroom, remember several things to ensure a successful visit.

1. Have someone waiting at the door to greet and guide your guest.
2. Make a special place in your room for your guest.
3. Prepare your students for the guest ahead of time.
4. Remind your visitor of the date, time and location the day before and day of the presentation if possible.
5. Be specific about what you'd like them to present.   Often a request is made to present on tribal history.   This subject span so much time and information, that it is difficult for the presenter to determine what content to present.
6. Guests often have to travel and it is suggested that schools cover expenses incurred by guests in coming to share with their students.   It is also customary to "gift" guests, and this can be done at the teacher or school's discretion.   Keep in mind that "gifting" need not require a large expense, it could involve a coffee mug, a scarf, a jar of homemade preserves, or a handmade item from your students.  
7. Stay in the room, and do not expect your visitor to manage your students.   Most guests that we invite to the school are not teachers and have little or no experience in classroom management.
8. Follow up with a personal thank you.

Lastly, enjoy the lessons!   We hope that your students learn something about our communities.   We also hope that perhaps they "unlearn" some misinformation that they may have acquired.   And lastly, we hope that these lessons bring a deeper understanding to your class of specific American Indian Tribes, their past, present, and future.