Building Your Knowledge
Learn more about Native Americans. First, encourage students to take a short quiz to see what they already know (or don’t know) about Native American Influences in U.S. History and Culture.
Oral Histories
Explore the role of oral tradition in Native American cultures. Using the library or Internet, research Native American storytelling. Native American Wisdom is a good place to start. In groups of three or four, choose a traditional tale to tell to the class. Document the following:
- the Native culture that originated the tale;
- the original homeland of that culture; and
- the present tribal headquarters.
Divide the tale so that each person in your group will recite a portion of the story to the class. Enhance your presentation with authentic visual representations of the tale or its cultural origins.
Special Guest
Contact a Native American organization in your community, state or region. Explain what you have been studying and invite a representative from the group to visit your class and speak about tribal history and culture. Be prepared to ask questions.
Holding on to Your Cultural Identity
Imagine that a cultural trait—a physical feature, a custom, a bit of family history, personal ties—will be gone forever at the end of today. Write a story, song or poem to say goodbye to this part of yourself. What do you remember about "it" and its role in your life? Describe your feelings. What advice would you offer to someone who feels forced to give up a part of his or her identity?
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