Native Americans

Jacquelyn B. Allen

EDFN 5083

Project #2 Authentic Awareness

Background

• 1st settlers in the Americas around 15th century

AD (estimated 10 million in the US)

• Currently only 1.5 % of population in US

• As time passed they migrated and moved to

different areas of the country

History.

• Each tribe has its own unique history

• Examples

• Pilgrims & Squanto

• Lewis & Clark and Sacagawea

• WWII & Navajo Code Talkers

• Gaining increased representation and political

power

• Indian Reorganization Act of 1934

Cultures & Traditions

• Over 500 Native American tribes

• Similarities among tribal heritages & traditions

• Cultures vary from nation to nation

• Living on a reservation differs greatly from that of

those that don’t live on a reservation.

• Specific Characteristics

• Each tribe has its own traditions and ways of life

• When teaching about Native American culture

research should be done about specific tribes.

• Symbols

• Teepees, totem poles, peace pipes, tapestries,

moccasins, dream catchers

Interesting Facts

• Music• Plays integral role in day to day life

• Used for ceremonies, recreation, expression, and healing

• Instruments

• Drums, flutes, percussion instruments

• Most important instrument

• Voice

• Irregular, off key, no harmony, passionate, invoke spirits,

ask for rain and healing

• Very expressive work of art

• Dance

• Children

Pictures of instruments

Pictures

People

Questions & Answers

• Invite questions from the audience

Resources

• Websites:• Education.byu.edu/diversity/culture/nativeamerican.html

• www.indians.org

• www.history.com/nativeamericancultures

• www.history.com/nativeamericanhistory

• Journal

• “Guidance of American Indian Children: Their Heritage and Some

Contemporary Views” Journal of American Indian Education (October

1985) 25(1) By: Harriett Light

• “When Tribal Sovereignty Challenges Democracy: American Indian

Education and the Democratic Ideal” American Educational Research

Journal (Summer 2002) 39(2) 279-305 By: K Tsianian Lomawaima