Indians in the Curriculum:
20 Handouts for Middle and High School
History and Social Studies
By Kerry Dunne

Handout 8 Activities: “I” is not for Indian

Background:

By Michael A. Dorris (1945-1997), an anthropologist, educator, writer, and member of the Modoc Tribe. Other writings include A Yellow Raft in Blue Water, 1987, a novel on American Indian women, and The Broken Chord, 1989, an award-winning book on fetal alcohol syndrome, a severe problem among American Indians.

Study and Discuss:

1.     Where does Dorris get the title for this article? What does it mean?

2.     What criticisms does Dorris make about the teaching of Native American history? Are they legitimate?

3.     What analogies does he make between stereotypes of Native Americans and those of other ethnic groups? What are the differences? Do you agree with him? Why/why not?

Resources 8: “I” is not for Indian