References & Resources
Alexie, S (2009) The Absolutely True Diary of a Part- Time Indian. New York, Boston Little,
Brown and Company
This story follows the life of Junior and his experiences growing up on a reservation and then
going to an all-white high school off the reserve. This young boy goes through many hardships in
this story. The story itself is written through the experiences of the author. Its a great read
because it shows how teenage Native Americans are living now. Some of the language in the
story does have some profanity but what teenager doesnt. In my opinion this is a good read
because students are able to realize Native Americans do still exist and they have much in
common and shouldnt be talked about as another.
California English Language Development Standards. (2012). N.p.: State Board of Education.
Retrieved from [Link]
Used to retrieve the common core standards implemented in the lesson.
Ehle, J. (1997) Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation. New York:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
This book would be a great read to teachers would like to be more informed on the Trail of Tears
and on the Cherokee people. However, it is written by a non- native so should be careful if
decide to use it as a quote. There is some language that would have to be explained to students if
deciding on quoting this book. Talks about the treaties and the work done towards assimilating
Native Americans.
[Learning Liberty] (2012) Forgotten Rebellion: Black Seminoles and the largest Slave Revolt in
U.S History. Retrieved from [Link]
A succinct video that tells an often forgotten and neglected story of Native American reactions to
the Indian Removal Act. It is a great way to help students understand that forced removal and
assimilation were not the only reactions of Native Americans to the Indian Removal Acts.
Specifically, it briefly describes the Slave Rebellion of the Black Seminoles in the Florida
Everglades.
Miranda A. D (2015) Lying to Children About the California Missions the Indians. Zinn
Education Project If We Knew Our History Retrieved from
[Link]
An article on how today many fourth graders are getting the wrong idea about California Mission
and Indians. It is true that often when teach children history the dark parts tend to be left out.
There is no teaching of how the Native Americans were treated in these missions or their reaction
to having to be there. Is a great article in coming up with discussion topics with high school
classrooms? Can use prior knowledge to discuss what they remember learning about the
California missions and whether the truth should continue to be hidden.
PBS SOCAL Africans in America Andrew Jackson Second Annual Message
Retrieved from [Link]
This site from a document on President Andrew Jacksons speech addressing the American
people. Document can be used to show students his perspective on Native Americans. Overall,
the document is seen as a good thing by the American people which is why its also a good
document for students to annotate and interpret.
PBSSOCAL. (2006). Indian Country Diaries. Lesson Plan
Retrieved from [Link]
Talks much about assimilation, relocation, and genocide. Gave many examples to lesson topics.
Would recommend using their interactive map to demonstrate the change in Native American
population over the years. Also, has a lot to say on the Californian genocide.
[PBS]. (November 13, 2010) Unit 4: Indian Removal Act [Video File] Retrieved from
[Link]
For many years, the Cherokee had tried to keep the Americans out of their land. They used every
method they could including the practices of the American government. However, in the end
many people were convinced they were savages and unreasonable people. A short clip
demonstrating how the Cherokee land slowly diminished. As well as how they tried to teach the
Native Americans the Anglo way of life.
Speilberg, Steven [TNTs mini-series] (2011, September 17). [Video File] Into the West-Carlisle
School. Retrieved from [Link]
A short clip from the Into the West- Carlisle Indian School great demonstration in explaining
assimilation to students. Would recommend showing film but for timing purposes a clip would
work. Shows the assimilation process Native American children went through. They were taken
from their homes, their names taken away, and their identities. Were being civilized.
Teaching U.S History, Indian Removal Lesson Plan Materials PDF file retrieved from
[Link]
This website provides a wide range of primary and secondary source documents from various
time periods throughout U.S. History. It ranges from personal letters to government documents.
There is an extensive list of resources for the period our lesson plans focus on for the unit on
Native American history.
Zinn, H (2003) A Peoples History of the United States: 1492-present. New York, NY Harper
Collin Publishers
A great read indeed. Tell the story as it would be told by the people who lost. Gives reader the
true story to the events that occurred when Christopher Columbus first explored America. Gives
an insight to the story of Native Americans and how they were falsely portrayed to be savages.
Will help immensely in giving the other perspective and not that of the winners.
