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Creating an Environment for Cultural Respect
Building an Awareness of Native American Cultures
by Monica Hochstedler
“My name is Jeremy. I like to ride my bike.
I also like riding horses when I hike.
At the boarding school I get brown and dark
Like the ancient Anasazis who painted great art.”
Written by a sixth grade Navajo, the above rap describes the present-day reality for many Native American people in North America: living within a duality of cultures. Contemporary Native American people often look, dress and eat “much like the general population in which they live.” At the same time, many of the “550 distinct nations in Native North America” proudly carry on ancestral traditions, spiritual practices, values and customs (http://www.turtletrack.org/). In today’s classrooms, how can a contemporary understanding and appreciation for these various Native American groups and their cultures be strengthened?
Understanding Prejudice (http://www.understandingprejudice.org/), an organization that strives to build awareness of the “causes and consequences of prejudice”, presents several tips for educators:
“Avoid a ‘tourist approach’ to multiculturalism that limits diversity to holidays, special events, and history month.” Instead of limiting the study of Native Americans to Thanksgiving or to limited units in history, consider incorporating Native American studies into all subjects throughout the year. For example, in science class discuss the influence and impact of Native American's knowledge of natural medicinal plants on pharmaceutical research (http://medherb.com/HX.HTM). When studying geography, research how many state names and city or town names originate from Native American languages. Find out what Native American tribes originally inhabited the area in which you live, or invite local Native Americans to visit your classroom. Compare and contrast the traditions and practices of local tribes with Native American groups from other areas in North America. Check out the Carnegie Museum's "American Indians and the Natural World" site at www.carnegiemuseums.org/cmnh/exhibits/north-south-east-west/index2.html for more information on North America's tribes.“Be a role model who walks the talk.” For example, to avoid evoking stereotypes of Native Americans, refrain from telling students to “sit Indian style”, to “stop acting like a bunch of wild Indians” or to “stop behaving like an Indian giver.” Instead, use direct language with students: “Please sit with your legs crossed,” for example. Speak about Native American cultures in the present tense. Being Native American is not only a part of North American history. There are many people throughout the United States living today who are full-blooded Native Americans or who are descendents of Native American people. In addition, there are many Native American customs and languages that are practiced today.
“Do not ignore discriminatory behavior.”
Confront statements or words that reinforce the stereotype that Native American cultures are backward such as “savage”, “war-loving” and “primitive”. If children use the term “squaw”, explain that in the Native American languages and cultures, this word is offensive. Being called a “squaw” is an insult and “implies that women are beasts of burden and public property” (http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues00/Co08262000/CO_08262000_New.htm).For other suggestions of “do’s and don’ts”, visit the August 26, 2000 online edition of Canku Ota—A Newsletter Celebrating Native America (http://www.turtletrack.org/).
The marks of Native American influences on our present-day North American culture are numerous. From food (corn, sweet potatoes, squash, beans, etc.) to state, county and city names, textiles, farming practices, military involvement and commerce, Native Americans have positively affected and contributed to our current practices as North Americans. In order to fully appreciate and respect these contributions, it is important to build understanding and respect for these cultures in the classroom. As educators, we can make a difference in the perceptions and attitudes of the students with whom we work. In addition, for the Native American students in our midst, we can acknowledge their ancestry by studying, celebrating and building respect for their cultures.
PSLA Training and Technical Assistance Survey
Service-Learning and the Writing Revolution
Avoiding Plagiarism and Teaching Honesty and Integrity in Students' Written Work
Service-Learning is Bloomin’ for Prospect Middle School Students
Creating an Environment for Cultural Respect
Students with Disabilities and the Juvenile Justice System: Can Service-Learning Play a Role?
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