About Nan
Nan McNutt is an education specialist who partners with Native and non-Native peoples and academic communities to develop, evaluate, and present culture-based programs and materials for teachers and students.
Her deep interest in indigenous cultures all over the world led to broad study of Native American life, in particular the Northwest Coastal peoples. Nan brings an extensive background in anthropology, archaeology, historical conservation and preservation to her work.
She is a popular speaker and presenter in the class room and at professional and academic venues. Nan is also an accomplished artist, weaver of baskets and robes, and developer/designer of art puzzles based on northern Northwest Coastal Native American design themes.
Education
M. Ed. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 1979
Curriculum and Instruction, Science Education
Summer Institute of Physical Science
Washington State Teaching Certificate, Elementary and Secondary, 1971
B.A. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 1968
Anthropology/Archaeology
Professional Achievements:
Throughout her career, Nan has consulted with school districts and regional museums facilitating workshops, training teachers, staff and volunteers, presenting education material at national archaeology meetings, and developing of hands-on exhibits.
Other career highlights include
Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, Director of Education
USDA Tongass National Forest, Petersburg, AK, Archeology Division for the Stikine Area of the Tongass National Forest
Pacific Science Center Sea Monster House, Seattle, WA, Manager
Heritage of a Longhouse: Yokwa, The Place of Dance, Seattle WA, Project Manager, public education programs, funded by Washington Commission of Humanities
Noted Works
Canoes Upon Our Waters – a 4th – 6th grade curriculum that uses canoes as the instructional centerpiece. This curriculum evolved from a development and field-testing project in conjunction with the Native American canoe carvers and advisors Ed Carriere (Suquamish), Joe Gobon (S’Klallum), Jerry Jones (Tulalip), Shawn Peterson (Puyallup), Chris Morganroth III (Quinault), as well as Lushootseed Speaker Vi Hilbert ( Upper Skagit). Funded by Washington MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), King County Landmarks and Heritage Arts Education Program.
Canoes Upon the Web – a website co-development project with David Cort featuring interactive programs, Lushootseed (Puget Sound Indigenous language) and students’ (3rd – 5th grade) research papers and project presentations. Funded by Washington MESA
The Canoe Institute – a 7-day summer training program for teaching teams interested in classroom implementation of “Canoes Upon Our Waters.” Native American instructors and seasoned classroom teachers are part of the teaching staff. Instructional support continues during the school year. Funded by Washington MESA, Puget Sound Energy, Tulalip Tribes
People Place and Time – middle school archaeological/ environmental curriculum, centered on the ancient Hohokom culture of Arizona. Currently being used by Arizona Public Schools. Co-developed by Nan McNutt and Carole Ellick. Funded by U.S. Department of Reclamations.
Project Archeology: Saving Traditions – integrated middle school curriculum targeting the archaeology of Washington. Developed in collaboration with the archaeology community and school districts, including field-testing and evaluation of a 5 year educational plan. Funded by U.S. Health Education and Welfare, and Washington State OSPI
Books
Nan is the author of a series of Northwest Native American story and activity books for children. For more about Nan’s books, click here