NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANSAn Examination of their Struggles: Current & Historic
Native American Indians have experienced a variety of hardships throughout their history. They continue to struggle in today’s society and without assistance the
Native American could be lost. PICTURE
Introduction
This Web Quest will give student directed groups an opportunity to research the struggles of Native American Indians throughout history and evaluate current issues within their culture today. Students
will use what they learn to develop a plan for a brighter future for Native Americans. PICTURE
Task
Instructions and questions are provided in this section to facilitate student thinking and learning. PICTURE
Process
Exploring History
In order to better understand their culture and hardships we will begin with researching their first interactions with the
British/ English Colonists.
Answer the questions below using the corresponding links to find information.
Diseases brought to America by English settlers killed a large percentage of Indians. What diseases? Which was the worst? Why were Indians so susceptible to the new diseases? Link: Fur Trapper Website
The Indians first attacked British to begin King Phillip’s War of 1675. What was his Goal for fighting the British? Both sides were greatly affected in this bloody war. Which side (colonists or Indians) were able to recover from the losses and rebuild? Link: Colebrook Historical Society
The French and Indian War was mainly between the Franch and British concerning Territory and Trade. How were the Indians affected by the war? Link: US History
Exploring History Continued
Read the Overview of the Indian Removal Act and List possible motives of the U.S. Government to remove the Indians from their land, also list ways that this was detrimental to the Indians, specifically the Cherokee. Link: Indian Removal Act
During the late 1800’s and continuing into the 1900’s the U.S. Government moved Indians onto reservations. How close were these reservations to their natural home? How similar were they to their natural lands? Link: Reservations
The Government has also tried to assimilate Indians into American Society to make them full citizens of the United States. Is this/ has this worked? Why or why not? Link: Assimilation
Where do 70% of today’s Indians live? Link: Heritage
Exploring Current Events
Using the following link, search current policies, and briefly describe what the U.S. Government is Currently doing for Native
Americans. Record your findings.
http://search.usa.gov/
Now continue your search to explore the different Organizations that support Indians, you may use a search engine to find additional
resources. Record your findings.
http://www.ncai.org/Home.9.0.html
http://treatycouncil.org/home.htm
http://www.naha-inc.org
http://www.weyanoke.org/mission.html
http://uaine.org/
Exploring Current Events Continued
With your knowledge of American Indians locate and discuss two similar articles of choice from resources in the right column.
Record your findings.
Your discussion should be very through (keep this in mind when choosing articles) and include:
Possible causes of the problem How long has it been a problem
Side effects How will it affect their culture
How it will affect future generations
What has been done to address the problem
Is a specific group taking action Have other Cultures/ Societies
experienced similar issues What are possible outcomes
Healthcare
Variety of Articles
Education
Cultural Struggle
Indian Newspaper- Searchable Articles
Evaluation Criteria
Presentation
Presentation shows the plight of the Native American people that the group has chosen, as well as given background into this issue and the history of the Native American people.
Presentation shows the plight of the Native American people that the group has chosen, but doe not give back ground into this issue or the history of the Native American people.
Presentation shows the plight of the Native American people that the group has chosen, as well as given background into this issue but doe not give the history of the Native American people.
Group Work
Grammar, Organization, and Reference
Everyone in the group participated in the presentation and had a clear role
Not everyone in the group participated in the presentation or had a clear role
Only one person in the group participated in the presentation and had a clear role
Less then 3 grammatical, reference, or organizational errors
More than 3 but less than 7 grammatical, reference, or organizational errors
More that 7grammatical, reference, or organizational errors
ADVANCED 5pts
EXPERIENCED 3pts
BEGINNER 1pt
Conclusive Project
Using notes and information gathered from this Web Quest and the current events articles your group choose, develop a comprehensive plan for solving these issues within the Indian culture.
Consider budget, funding, willingness to participate, outside support, changing governmental policies, timeline for your plan, organizations to participate, how to preserve their culture/ knowledge/ skills, local action in communities across the U.S., etc. The plan may have a timeline of several years, depending on the issue.
Your group should analyze the problem and synthesize a solution pulling information from available resources and existing knowledge.
A conclusive presentation will be required to share your understanding, findings, and comprehensive plan with your peers. The use of technology and graphics to support your presentation is encouraged.
Presentation should include plenty of background information on the issues and should be an equal effort between all group members.
Interested in Doing More?
To share your findings and comprehensive plan, you can contact the Native American Heritage Association, (NAHA) at: Native American Heritage Association
If you are still interested in helping the Native American People you can do more by contacting: Native American Heritage Association Native relief Charities American Indian Prevention Coalition 4 Wellness
This Web Quest was developed by: Nichole Grant, Heather Covil, and Travis Ullum. PICTURE
Credits