Appreciating Native American History

November is American Indian Heritage (Native American) Month. American history is replete with examples of how Native Americans were taken advantage of by westward bound settlers and the U.S. government.

Numerous wars and broken treaties resulted in Native Americans losing their lands in exchange for government reservations.

Generally, these Reservations were placed in areas of little value to the white settlers of the territory of state. Reservations helped to destroy the lifestyle and culture of Native American tribes by changing their way of life and making them dependent on the government.

Over the centuries, Native American tribes evolved a unique and common culture that was based on respect for God and for Nature. Recently, Native American leaders are trying to restore the wisdom embodied in their common culture to their tribal schools and to all Americans to impact a new generation of young people with this unique philosophy of life. Here are some Native American pearls of wisdom: The Earth is our Mother; care for Her; Honor all your relations; Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit; All life is sacred; Treat all beings with respect; Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more; Do what needs to be done for the good of all; Give constant thanks to the Great Spirit for each day; Speak the truth but only for the good in others; Follow the rhythms of Nature; Enjoy life's journey; but leave no tracks.

Assign students to select and study one aspect of Native American reservation life such as health, education, economics, or culture. Assign students a written report of at least 150 words (or a presentation of at least seven slides) that cites at least three resources.

Reports and presentations should address the following essential questions for critical thinking:

• How is Native American life on a Reservation different than the average American?
• Why do so many Native Americans continue to live on Reservations?
• What positive accomplishments have Native Americans made to our society?
• What is the greatest challenge for Native Americans and why do you think that it is?
• What would you recommend to help Native Americans fulfill the American Dream?

Pathfinder: Type "Indians of North America" in the Subject Headings search box. Select resources from one of the following subject headings:

Indians of North America as soldiers
Indians of North America, Business enterprises
Indians of North America, Civil rights
Indians of North America, Cultural assimilation
Indians of North America, Culture
Indians of North America, Economic conditions
Indians of North America, Education
Indians of North America, Health and hygiene
Indians of North America, Politics and government
Indians of North America, Religion
Indians of North America, Reservations
Indians of North America, Social conditions
Indians of North America, Tribal government

Use our custom ProQuest models for written or PowerPoint reports written and PowerPoint-style reports.

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