Introduction to Native American Social Studies Curricula
By Nancy Maness, M.A.

Pictures: General

Boarding school: Social, Eskimo (Inuit), Alaska, 1914, with sign, “Please do not speak Eskimo”

Marquette University Libraries, Negative #0001

•     Level 4: In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Indian children were punished in school for speaking their native language. It was hoped this would force them to learn English quickly.

Casino: Economic, Apache, Casino near Ft. Apache Reservation, Arizona, 1995

By Mark Thiel, Marquette University Libraries

•     Level 2: Some tribes with casinos are using profits to buy back lost lands.

•     Level 3: Casinos may bring tribes new problems as well as lots of money. Some families loose everything they have because of gambling problems and some tribes have difficulties managing their new wealth.

•     Level 4:

•     Level 5: Several tribes operate casinos on or near their reservations to increase employment of tribal members and the financial power of the tribe.

Craft stand: Economic, General, Montana, 1988

Marquette University Libraries

•     Level 2: Several Native Americans earn money by selling their crafts at powwows and other Indian events.

Grass dance: Social, General, United States, 1995

By Donald S. Abrams, Indian Summer Festival, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•     Level 3: Grass dancing is popular at powwows throughout the United States. It began among the Plains tribes in the 19^th century with its name coming from the custom of hanging grass in their belts somewhat like the way today’s grass-dancers wear long colored yarn or ribbon fringe.

Marathon race: Social, Penobscot, Old Town, Maine, 1993

By Anne M. Scheuermann, Marquette University Libraries

•     Level 5: Long distance running builds strength and stamina and has been popular across North America since ancient times.

Radio DJ: Social, Dakota (Lakota or Sioux), Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota, 1994

By Mark Thiel, Marquette University Libraries

•     Level 4: Broadcasting in native languages helps to keep languages alive.

Pipe gift: History, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, 1934

By Rev. Stephen McNamara, S.J., Marquette University Libraries, Negative #0701 Courtesy Midwest Jesuit Provinces

•     Level 6: Lakota (Sioux) leaders present Commissioner John Collier with a pipe as a gift on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Collier championed the Indian Reorganization Act, which allowed federally recognized tribal groups to form constitutional governments and to restrict the sale and taxation of reservation lands owned by the tribes and their individual members.