Discourage students from making up Native American legends, ceremonies, names, or dances. While Native Americans are contemporary peoples, many still practice traditions that have been passed down for generations.Think Critically about Perspective and Representation Encourage phrases like “pre-contact,” or “pre-European settlement.” Why are words like “un/civilized” and “savage” offensive? Even the word “prehistoric,” when discussing human history, can invalidate the millennia of oral history traditions in Indigenous communities. Push students to think critically about words they encounter.Allow space for Native students to share their stories and experiences, but also keep in mind that not all Native children know about their heritage or may not feel comfortable sharing about it. Terms like “us” and “them” distance students from the human experience, and assumes that none of their fellow students are Native American.Are students only referring to Native Americans in the past tense? Discuss Native Americans as contemporary people involved in current affairs and practicing living traditions.When possible, most Native people prefer being identified by their specific community. Native American, Native, American Indian, Indian, First Peoples, and Indigenous are all terms used by both Native and non-Native people.Engineering, ethnobotany, and marine sciences are great cross-disciplinary topics! Help students understand that Native peoples have a deep respect for the environment and have, in fact, always maintained and cultivated nature. Oral histories are still passed down today and are records of environmental and social events from thousands of years ago! While there is archaeological evidence that shows humans have lived in North America for over 10,000 years, tribal oral histories also speak to this continuous existence.Make sure students treat guests as teachers, not as entertainers. Research local tribes and visit tribal museums, cultural centers, and events. Encourage students to learn about Native cultures straight from the source.Acknowledging the land and the people who have always called it home encourages students to think about the significance of place, and the continued existence of Indigenous people. The Burke begins every program, event, and meeting by acknowledging that we are on Indigenous land.

Prehistoric indian tribes