Native American history cannot be compressed to a single story. It’s hundreds of cultures, from Algonquin to Zuni. Hundreds of languages, from Navajo to Nuxalk. Thousands of miles, from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. And it covers tens of thousands of years—from the last Ice Age to the actively unfolding now. 

In 40 episodes, Crash Course Native American History will survey the profound, ongoing history of cultures that have lived in North America for thousands of years. Hosted by an enrolled tribal member, the series will cover diverse traditional beliefs, social structures, and economic systems, explored through oral histories, artwork, archaeological finds, and more. Viewers will learn about events not often taught in high school history classes— such as the forced assimilation of Native children in the U.S. and Canada. And each episode will tell lesser-known stories of people, such as John Herrington (the first enrolled tribal member to go to space, who carried a Chickasaw flute into orbit) and the Code Talkers (who used the Navajo language to convey secret messages during World War II).

Native American history widens and complicates the way history is typically taught in the United States. Some states have pushed to expand Native American history in K-12 curricula. But too often, the story begins in 1492 and ends in the late 1800s. Distorted narratives and stereotypes loom in the wider culture, instilling false ideas of Native people as long-gone relics or monoliths. When we don’t learn Native American history, living people are erased and a warped narrative persists—one that’s missing countless perspectives and thousands of years of context. 

With Crash Course’s broad subscriber base and accessible video format, it will be a resource to educators, students, and casual learners alike. 

Job Title: Subject Matter Expert

Status: Freelance

Reports to: Editorial Director

Location: Remote

Compensation structure:  $650/episode for 10-40 episodes

What you'll do: 

As one of several freelance SMEs, you'll be responsible for developing detailed episode outlines for a unit of Crash Course Native American History that aligns to your specific area of expertise. Additionally, you'll review and share feedback on script and video drafts. You'll work closely with other SMEs, writers, editors, and producers. 

You should have extensive subject matter expertise, with experience either teaching Native American history courses, ideally at the university level, and/or published nonfiction writing on the topic.