6th Grade: Native American Land Curriculum, Standard One Lessons

by Shannon Britton

Native American Land Curriculum

6th Grade

Standard One: Culture, Traditional Land Values

Standard One Goal: Students will develop knowledge and understanding of traditional American Indian land-related values and special relationships to land that formed the foundation for Indian cultural identity and sense of place on earth.

Rationale: The survival and successful continuation of American Indian tribal societies is dependent upon their abilities to know and retain special connections to their homelands. This is because traditions, origin stories and prayers that provide tribal uniqueness and identity are so often based upon special places, land-related incidents or natural gifts from the land. Additionally, tribal societies were once supported and sustained by their lands and may wish to again prosper in homelands that support the existence of those special places and natural gifts from the earth.

Lesson 1: Know how tribal origin stories may reflect traditional beliefs regarding land stewardship.

Achievement Goal:Analyze and discuss how tribal origin stories may teach traditional land ethics.
In this lesson the students will learn about origin stories of tribes and how to demonstrate respect for others’ beliefs. They will also look closely at the land ethics usually found within creation stories and how these beliefs relate to the identity of the tribe. Michael Caduto and Joseph Bruchac have prepared the “Keepers” series of books that were created especially for use in classrooms. Their book, “Keepers of Life” is used in this lesson to teach about the relationship between Indian traditions, beliefs, and land ethics.

Lesson 1: Background, Student Activity, Evaluation, Resources

Lesson 1: Lesson Plan Overview

Alsea Creation Stories

MicMac Creation Story