Native American Culture

Grade 9•45 minutes•10.1.4.2: Analyze and compare/contrast the themes or central ideas of multiple texts, researching and interpreting possible impact of author perspective, identity, and bias 10.1.6.1: Analyze how the author’s, including Dakota and Anishinaabe authors, purpose, stated identities, biases and perspective shape the content and style of a text. 10.1.7.1: Analyze the arguments of several authors with similar or different perspectives on the same topic to evaluate arguments using relevance and sufficiency of evidence and validity of reasoning. 10.2.5.1: Write to inform or explain, evaluating accuracy and relevancy of information to convey complex ideas about a topic; Use precise, domain-specific vocabulary and utilize organization strategies common in a variety of text structures, and maintain an objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline, building on skills from previous years. Use the reading: Windigo Footprints. Use the book: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Use the reading: Rez Road by Joseph Bruchac and the documentary: The Natives: This is Our America.

Learning Objective

I can write an informative essay about Native American culture, drawing on evidence from "Windigo Footprints," "Rez Road," "Braiding Sweetgrass," and "The Natives: This is Our America," while considering authorial perspective and maintaining an objective tone.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 7 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. Describe Albert Bender's background and how it influences his perspective on Native American cultural preservation.

2. According to Albert Bender, what is the significance of Nashville and middle Tennessee in relation to Native American history?

3. Explain the connection Albert Bender makes between historical conflicts and contemporary issues facing Native Americans.

...and 4 more questions

Educational Video

A Brief But Spectacular take on Indigenous cultures and struggles

PBS NewsHour

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