5. Native Americans & Edward S. Curtis

NATIVE AMERICANS AND THE LEGACY OF EDWARD S. CURTIS

GRADES: HIGH SCHOOL

APPROXIMATE LENGTH OF TIME: 2--50 MINUTE SESSIONS

SUMMARY:

This lesson uses the visual literacy theory, students review works by Indigenous peoples to process what they see compared to historical Curtis photographs. Visual literacy enhances the student’s understanding of and ability to interpret and comprehend photographs in a comparative manner as reading and writing. The combination of visual, reading, and writing enhances the pedagogical approach to understanding historical photos by complimenting written and oral proficiency with visual language.

LEARNING TARGETS:

Students will critically analyze photographs and writings of Native Americans compared to the historical Edward S. Curtis Photographs.
Students will process and convey how historiography played a role in how history is remembered, written about, and taught based on the addition of the Native American perspective.

Materials

Computer/Internet
Notepaper and pencil/pen
PDF Native Americans and the Legacy of Edward S. Curtis (student printout optional)
PDF Printout--Worksheet-Native Americans and the legacy of Edward S. Curtis

Native American Photography and Edward S. Curtis

A. Activity--

Literal Observation and Interpretation Phase of Native Americans and the legacy of Edward S. Curtis.

i. Project or print out (PDF) Native American Photography for the class to follow along.

*Read and discuss the material in PDF.

*At the end of the PDF follow the link to the website "Double Exposure."

Discussion--

i. Review the site with the students to gain an understanding of the Native American perspective of historical photographs and a vision for the future.

*Describe the contemporary views of many Native Americans regarding the Edward S. Curtis photographs.

*Ask students to brainstorm how this information can be used to inform, not only students but the public.

B. Worksheet

i. After reviewing and discussing the "Double Exposure" website students will complete the worksheet (PDF).

*Ask students to think about how they can continue to bring the Native American perspective into the mainstream of American history.

Assessment in this lesson:

1. Informal assessment through class discussion.

2. Completed the worksheet.

3. Complete a final essay providing evidence from the "Double Exposure" website on how Native Americans approach the legacy of the Edward S. Curtis photographs.