Settler Colonialism and The Resistance (HS)

Lesson 1

This first lesson will introduce students to the concept of settler colonialism. We will look at the early history of the United States and the “discovery” of the Americas. Students should think about how the early history of America is presented, especially relations between European settlers and Native Americans. In the second part of the lesson students will split into small groups and analyze how settler colonialism has been used against Native Americans in different contexts. 

WATCH:

READ:

“Columbus the Indians and Human Progress” from A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

8 myths and atrocities about Christopher Columbus and Columbus Day

The True Story of Pocahontas: Historical Myths Versus Sad Reality

The Biggest Lies We Teach American Kids About Thanksgiving and Native Americans

Discussion Questions

1. 1. In your own words, how would you define settler colonialism? How has it shown up in US history?
   2. Was the information about Columbus,or Matoaka new to you? Why do you think you might now have known this information before?
   3. In other history classes have you learned about the Native Americans that lived where you are?
   4. Do you think it is possible to end settler colonialism? What would that mean? How would it look?

Examples of Settler Colonialism:

In class activity: Students will split up into small groups to look at the various ways that settler colonialism has shown up in US society. If you are interested in a topic that is not covered below, you are more than welcome to do your own research into settler colonialism and bring in your own sources for class. 

Trail of Tears

READ:

“As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs From A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn

How Native Americans Struggled to Survive on the Trail of Tears

WATCH:

 

Manifest Destiny

WATCH:

 

Residential Boarding Schools

READ:

Government Boarding Schools Once Separated Native American Children From Families

The Traumatic Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools

WATCH:

Native American Mascots

READ:

Native American Mascots Really Do Reinforce Stereotypes

The Kansas City Chiefs’ “Arrowhead Chop” chant isn’t a tribute to people like me. It’s racist.

WATCH:

Discussion Questions

1. How has settler colonialism evolved over time? 
2. What are the different ways in which the government and settlers have committed genocide against Native Americans? How were children used?
3. How have settlers tried to replace Native Americans? How do settlers appropriate Native American symbols? (Think about dreamcatchers, feathers, arrows, tribal tattoos, etc…)

Lesson 2

Last time, students looked at what settler colonialism is and how it has been used against Native American communities. This lesson, we will focus on how Native people have resisted colonization since the beginning. This lesson will cover incidents such as the Ghost Dance, American Indian Movement, and Standing Rock, among others. Students will be split up into small groups and each group will have the opportunity to present on different ways that Native Americans have tried to preserve their histories, languages, lands, and cultures. 

READ:

The Truth About the Wounded Knee Massacre

Wounded Knee

WATCH:

READ:

TRAIL OF BROKEN TREATIES 20 Point Position Paper

The Standing Rock Resistance Is Unprecedented (It’s Also Centuries Old)

WATCH:

Discussion Questions:

1. How have Native Americans resisted settler colonialism? What strategies have they used?
2. What issues have Native American resistance been organized around?
3. What are some of the points brought up in  the 20 Point Position Paper? Do you think they are unreasonable? 
4. What has been the response from the US government and settlers to Native American resistance?