Learning Targets
- I can identify the original Indigenous tribes of the Northwest Coast.
- I can name several sacred Indigenous spaces in the United States, and I can explain their importance to the Indigenous people.
- I can identify Catherine Troeh’s role in Indigenous history.
Key Terms
- Cedar
- Guardian
- Bella Coola
- Chinook
- Bentwood
- Sacred
- Pacific Ocean
- Petroglyphs
- Red Butte
- Blythe Intaglios
- Bear Butte
- Devils Tower
Learn more about the original Northeastern tribes prior to colonialism:
Artwork
Bentwood box, wall plaques. Check out some northeast tribal art.
Folklore
Zenith, Sun god, additional deities.
Issues in Indigenous Communities
Sacred spaces – Just like the structures, temples and churches that are sacred to many of the world’s major religions, many places in nature have been very-long regarded as sacred places by the Indigenous peoples who reside in their proximity. These sacred places can be seen in many different natural forms like rock formations, petroglyph sites, valleys, streams and mountains.
Unfortunately, there exists a major lack of knowledge about these sacred sites to the general public, as well as a long history of disrespect by those seeking their abundant natural resources. Many industries, especially industries like the mining industry that disrupt the natural environment.
Prominent Youth Activist Autumn Peltier
Autumn Peltier uses the speech to call attention to the lack of clean water in numerous Indigenous communities.
Peltier spoke at the Global Landscapes Forum in New York City in 2018 and has made use of social media to spread awareness around the world.
Learn more about Indigenous activist and clean water advocate Autumn Peltier.
Discussion Questions
- What are natural resources?
- Why is it important to protect natural resources in all communities, not only in indigenous ones?
Writing Prompts
- What steps are organizations like NARF taking to protect natural resources for indigenous communities?
- What are activists like Autumn Peltier doing to advocate for clean water in indigenous communities?
- What other activists are out there advocating for clean water solutions?
Flows, Capital. “5 Ways the Government Keeps Native Americans in Poverty.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 29 June 2021, www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2014/03/13/5-ways-the-government-keeps-native-americans-in-poverty/?sh=71ffe6b12c27
“Native American Lands and Natural Resource Development.” Natural Resource Governance Institute, 17 Feb. 2016, resourcegovernance.org/analysis-tools/publications/native-american-lands-and-natural-resource-development
“Protect Tribal Natural Resources.” Native American Rights Fund, 25 Jan. 2019, www.narf.org/our-work/protection-tribal-natural-resources/
Staff, DiversityInc. “The Biggest Issues Facing the Native American Community Right Now.” DiversityInc, 13 Jan. 2021, www.diversityinc.com/the-biggest-issues-facing-the-native-american-community-right-now/