BOOK GUIDES
Extended Activity and Place-Based Project
Here are several project ideas for students to engage with and apply the themes from Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival, Self-Determination, and Identity . These projects encourage critical thinking, creativity, and action, connecting the book's content to broader environmental and social justice issues. 1. Interactive Homeland Map Assignment: Create an annotated map of the traditional Cherokee homelands. Include geographical features, significant towns, trade routes, and natural resources. Add descriptions of how geography influenced Cherokee society and culture. Extension: Present the map as a digital story or poster presentation. 2. Daily Life Diorama or Photo Essay Assignment: Recreate a scene from Cherokee life prior to removal, such as a council meeting, home life, or agricultural practice, using a diorama, drawing, or photo essay. Include written descriptions of tools, roles, and cultural elements. Extension: Write a first-person journal entry from the perspective of a Cherokee youth during this period. 3. Trail of Tears Memorial Exhibit Assignment: Design a memorial exhibit that tells the story of the Trail of Tears. Include historical documents, personal stories, artwork, and statistics. Present your exhibit through a slideshow, display board, or virtual museum format. Extension: Write and perform a short monologue based on a historical figure or a fictional character who experienced the removal. 4. Rebuilding the Nation Newspaper Assignment: Create a newspaper set in Indian Territory post-removal. Include articles on rebuilding efforts, government structure, education, and cultural life. Write from the perspective of Cherokee citizens. Extension: Include an editorial section on how the Cherokee Nation preserved self-determination despite hardship. 5. Debate or Documentary on Land Allotment Assignment: Research the effects of allotment and Oklahoma statehood on Cherokee sovereignty. Create a short documentary or hold a structured debate on whether allotment policies were just or unjust. Extension: Interview a modern Native community member or use oral histories to explore long-term impacts. 6. Cultural Resilience Timeline Assignment: Construct a timeline that highlights Cherokee acts of resilience and adaptation from allotment through the 7. Policy Analysis and Action Plan Assignment: Research a modern Cherokee Nation policy or program (e.g., language revitalization, healthcare, economic development). Create a presentation analyzing its impact and propose a related initiative to support Cherokee self- determination. Extension: Develop a grant proposal or advocacy campaign for your proposed initiative. 8. Identity and Representation Multimedia Project Assignment: Create a multimedia project exploring contemporary Cherokee identity. Use interviews, video, music, poetry, or visual art to highlight themes of sovereignty, culture, and community. Extension: Share your project at a class "Cherokee Cultural Day" or publish it on a classroom blog. mid-20th century. Include cultural preservation, political actions, and community initiatives. Extension: Add reflective commentary on what each event teaches about survival and identity.
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