For this assignment, you will complete the following:
Research indigenous cultures using the Native Land global map of indigenous cultures.
Write short answers to questions using evidence.
Write a paragraph summarizing your research findings.
To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all of the questions completely. This assignment is worth 30 points.
Part 1: Research Indigenous Cultures
Using the Native Land website, note the name or names of indigenous peoples in your city or region. Click on any of the names to view a resource page with links for more information. You will choose one of these peoples to research further.
Part 2: Short-Answer Questions
Using the Native Land website and the linked resources for more information, answer each question in two to three complete sentences. Your answers should use a topic sentence and one or two supporting details. Make sure to use appropriate spelling and grammar. This part of the assignment is worth 20 points.
1. In your own words, describe one way bias might be present in historical maps. Why is this bias a problem for accurate research? (4 points)
2. In your area, does the map show overlap between territories and list more than one name? Toggle on the "Languages" switch, then toggle off the "Territories" switch. Describe the differences you see between the view of territories and the view of languages. (4 points)
3. Toggle off the "Territories" and "Languages" switches, then toggle on the "Treaties" switch. Describe how many "cessions," or formal agreements to give up land, are shown in your city or region. What is one observation you can make about this data? (4 points)
4. Which indigenous people are listed for the city or region you searched? Describe how familiar you were with these names before looking at the map. (4 points)
5. Choose one group of indigenous people you identified in question 4, and research them further by selecting the name to open a resource page. Under the "Websites" heading, choose a link to explore. Describe the website you chose, including who created the website and what kind of information it offers. (4 points)
Part 3: Writing a Paragraph
Maps can tell us a lot about a people or region. They can also have a bias of perspective. This means that maps reflect the views and ideas of the people making the maps. The Native Land website is a response to maps of native lands that reflected European bias. The website was designed to allow indigenous people in America to draw their own maps for themselves and their land. This allows them to tell their own stories about themselves.
In a paragraph, explain how the Native Land website has affected your understanding of indigenous people. You will need to draw on the information you reviewed as evidence for your summary. Your response should be written as a complete paragraph. This includes a topic sentence, three supporting details, and a concluding sentence. Make sure to use appropriate spelling and grammar. This part of the assignment is worth 10 points.
