This study guide focuses on Unit 2 of the U.S. History curriculum for elementary grades, titled “Independence: Revolution and the U.S. Constitution in Indian Country.” It is designed to accompany the Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State curriculum, or other tribally-developed resources, and aims to provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of how the American Revolution and the subsequent Constitution impacted Tribal Nations. This unit is crucial for fostering a more complete and accurate understanding of American history, acknowledging the Indigenous perspective often overlooked in traditional narratives.
Understanding the Context: Revolution and Constitution in Indian Country
The American Revolution and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution are pivotal moments in American history. However, for Tribal Nations, this era represents a complex period marked by both challenges and resilience. This unit encourages students to explore these events through the lens of tribal sovereignty, examining how these foundational moments in US history affected Indigenous peoples and their inherent rights.
Key Concepts to Explore:
- Tribal Sovereignty: Reinforce the concept that Tribal Nations are sovereign entities, predating the United States. Their sovereignty was not granted by the US government but is inherent.
- Treaty Making: Understand treaties as agreements between sovereign nations. Explore the historical context of treaty-making between the newly formed United States and Tribal Nations during and after the Revolution.
- Impact of the Revolution: Analyze how the American Revolution influenced relationships between the new nation and Tribal Nations. Did it strengthen or weaken tribal sovereignty? How did the war affect tribal lands and communities?
- The U.S. Constitution and Indian Country: Examine how the Constitution, while establishing the framework for the US government, also addressed (or failed to address) the status and rights of Tribal Nations. Explore clauses like the Indian Commerce Clause and their implications.
- Indigenous Perspectives: Center the narratives and experiences of Native Americans during this period. Move beyond a solely Eurocentric view of the Revolution and Constitution to understand the diverse Indigenous responses and perspectives.
An illustration depicting treaty negotiations, highlighting the essential government-to-government relationship between the United States and Tribal Nations during the Revolutionary era and the formation of the Constitution.
Curriculum Resources and Pathways
The Since Time Immemorial curriculum offers valuable pathways to explore these concepts with elementary students. While the original document lists pathways for different grades, Unit 2 for 5th grade U.S. History directly addresses this topic. However, educators can adapt elements from other pathways and resources to enrich this unit.
Adapting Pathways for Unit 2:
- Pathway 1: Stories and Histories of Our Place: Connect local tribal histories to the broader context of the Revolution. Research local tribes’ experiences during this period. Were they involved in the Revolutionary War? How did the outcome of the Revolution affect their territories and sovereignty?
- Pathway 2: Honoring the Salmon: While seemingly unrelated, consider the long-term impact of westward expansion, fueled by the nation’s growth after the Revolution, on salmon populations and tribal fishing rights. This can introduce the concept of how national development can impact tribal resources.
- Pathway 3: Giving Thanks: A Native American Cultural Tradition: Explore the cultural resilience of Tribal Nations during periods of significant political and social change. How did traditions and cultural practices help tribes maintain their identity and sovereignty in the face of external pressures from a new nation?
A visual juxtaposition of the United States Constitution and Native American tribal symbols, representing the complex interplay between US governing documents and the inherent sovereignty of Tribal Nations.
Essential Questions for Unit 2:
To guide student inquiry and critical thinking, consider using these essential questions throughout Unit 2:
- How did the American Revolution impact the relationship between the newly formed United States and Tribal Nations? Explore the immediate and long-term consequences of the revolution on tribal lands, treaties, and sovereignty.
- In what ways did the U.S. Constitution address or ignore Tribal Nations and their sovereignty? Analyze relevant clauses and the overall framework of the Constitution in relation to Indigenous peoples.
- What were the diverse responses of Tribal Nations to the challenges and opportunities presented by the new United States government? Highlight the agency and resilience of tribes during this period, showcasing varied strategies of diplomacy, resistance, and adaptation.
- How does understanding this historical period from a tribal perspective contribute to a more complete understanding of U.S. history and contemporary issues of tribal sovereignty? Emphasize the importance of including Indigenous voices and perspectives in historical narratives and contemporary discussions about tribal rights and self-determination.
Elementary Outcomes for Unit 2:
By the end of Unit 2, elementary students should be able to:
- Identify key events of the American Revolution and the formation of the U.S. Constitution.
- Explain how these events impacted Tribal Nations in different ways.
- Understand that treaties were made between the U.S. government and Tribal Nations, recognizing tribal sovereignty (at least initially).
- Recognize that the U.S. Constitution, while establishing a new nation, also had implications for Tribal Nations and their inherent rights.
- Appreciate the importance of understanding historical events from multiple perspectives, including Indigenous perspectives.
Alignment with Washington State Learning Standards
This unit aligns with Washington State Learning Standards by promoting a deeper understanding of U.S. history through the lens of tribal sovereignty. It encourages critical thinking about historical events and their lasting impact on contemporary society, specifically concerning the relationship between the US government and Tribal Nations. Refer to the Since Time Immemorial curriculum for specific lesson plans and standards alignment.
By utilizing this study guide and the resources provided by the Since Time Immemorial curriculum, educators can effectively teach Unit 2 and provide students with a richer, more inclusive understanding of the Revolution and Constitution’s impact on Indian Country and the ongoing significance of tribal sovereignty.
