• Print
• Tweet
• 

Article

November 21st, 2014

A fresh look at Thanksgiving

Uncategorized

We’re bringing you a fresh look on America’s original holiday with a roundup of the best basic resources as well as others designed to thoughtfully examine the United States’ relationship with the Native American community.

---

Thanksgiving basics 

---

Interactive resource | PBS LearningMedia – A history of Thanksgiving

This self-paced lesson provides historical context for Thanksgiving and presents students with writing-based activities. This is an activity that students can complete in class, or it can be assigned as a take-home activity (depending on computer and Internet access) for family participation.

Primary resource collection | Library of Congress – Thanksgiving

The Library of Congress has a rich resource collection of Thanksgiving-related primary source documents and the tools needed to use them with your students.

---

Indigenous peoples then and now

---

Teacher Resources | Zinn Education Project – Native Americans

Looking to engage your students in critical analysis of the history of the United States and Native Americans? The Zinn Education Project provides free resources focusing on groups who too often receive only token attention, like workers, women and people of color.

Video | TED Talk – Wade Davis

This TED Talk by world renowned anthropologist Wade Davis helps students understand the challenges faced by indigenous people and appreciate their contributions to the global community. There is also a  TED Talk: Dreams from endangered cultures – Student guide

Photography collection and map | Wade Davis and National Geographic  

Match Wade Davis’ collection of photographs taken from his decades in the field with a  global map of indigenous peoples to explore the cultures of the correlating areas.

Profile | Noelani Kristine Lee Yamishita of Ka Honua Momona International

PBS NewsHour Extra features stand out STEM professionals to raise awareness about exciting future careers available to students from all backgrounds. Learn how Noelani Kristine Lee Yamishita is using traditional methods to return the Hawaiian Island of Molokai to its once-thriving ecosystem. Ka Honua Momona, her nonprofit organization, accomplishes its mission by revitalizing natural and cultural resources, perpetuating traditional knowledge and stewardship and evolving with modern technology.

Video | PBS NewsHour – Encouraging rural Alaska’s students to become teachers

Native American communities, especially in remote areas such as Alaska, face many challenges, including education. This story explores an effort to turn that around by creating more teachers within the Native community. Use our informational text and student guide to enhance and support your students’ understanding of the topic.