This curriculum unit introduces students to the long and complex history of American Indian-White relations in the area that is now Wisconsin. Five historical narratives cover: (1) a general background to Indian-White relations, initial culture contact, and items of cultural exchange; (2) trade, peaceful relations, and intermarriage between the…

This paper depicts the historical background and lifestyle of the Powhatan Indians. There are approximately 30 such tribes in present-day Maryland, Virginia, and near the North Carolina border. The name Powhatan is defined, and the history and current lifestyles of the Virginia and New Jersey Powhatans are described. Contemporary Powhatan social…

A revision of a 1982 publication, this handbook on American Indians and their history and education includes the historical events and resources of the 1980s. This handbook provides materials to be incorporated into the school curriculum that will make non-Indian students more aware of the contributions of the American Indian and increase the…

This unit examines early life in Utah from about 10,500 BC until 1550 AD. Early human culture and changes in lifestyle during the Paleoindian, Archaic, and Formative periods are foci of the unit. The first period studied is the Paleoindian when humans first came to the North American continent and then to Utah and covers the period from 18,000 BC…

Written for use in grades 3 through 6, this guide explains in simple terms the United States government's often unethical handling of treaties with the Ojibwe and small groups of Sioux during the early formation of the country. The first section presents a basic history of the Ojibwe and their reasons for migrating from the Atlantic to the upper…

Discusses the expulsion of the Choctaw Indians from their lands in the U.S. southeast as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Provides a lesson plan using a primary source document along with accompanying discussion questions. Includes a three-page letter that is the deposition of a Choctaw Indian protesting removal. (CFR)

An intermediate or junior high level unit on Indians indigenous to Iowa focuses on history, culture, and cultural conflict between the Indians and white Americans. Many of the materials can be adapted for use in other states or for a more general unit on American Indians. Twenty lessons cover the location of Iowa; prehistoric Iowa; Indian society…

Prior to a curriculum unit on Native Americans in a U.S. history course, three classes of fifth graders stated what they knew or believed they knew about these people and what they wanted to learn about them. After the unit, they reported what they had learned. In addition, a stratified sample of 10 students was interviewed concerning the details…

Maintains that U.S. history did not begin with the colonization of North America by Europeans but with the Native American tribes that flourished prior to colonization. Discusses economic issues that determined the history and culture of various tribes. Provides a lesson plan based on economic decisions made by the Choctaw tribe. (CFR)

Asserts that, by the time English Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in 1620, as many as 2,000 American Indians had already made the passage to Western Europe. Maintains that, although most of the Native Americans who traveled to Europe went as slaves, those who went after 1500 traveled for other reasons. (CFR)

Intended to help teachers for grades K-6 accurately present the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving, this guide features an historically accurate story for children, historical background for teachers, and activities for expanding and enriching instruction. The introduction discusses the need for teachers to be honest and informative about…

Asserts that historians should not think of American Indians and white colonists as having two distinct historical experiences but "mutual history of continuous interaction and influence." Contends that European and American colonials recognized the power and subtlety of the American Indian confederacies. (CFR)

Traces the development of an American Indian literature course where students learn how traditional American Indians, contemporary American Indians, and people of other cultures view the first Americans in literature and gain the ability to separate the stereotypic "Indians" from the authentic ones. (JHZ)

Presents a lesson based on the village life of the Plains Indians during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Includes student objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and suggested student assignments. Provides two maps, two student readings, and five illustrations of American Indian village life. (CFR)

Maintains that most attempts to depict American Indians contain at least two fatal flaws: (1) they portray the 19th century as the best period for Native American culture; and (2) they show Indians only in conjunction with non-Indian aggressions. Provides an overview of efforts by Indians to develop multitribal cultural activities. (CFR)