Indigenous Expressions: Literature and Visual Arts in the Secondary Classroom

Indigenous literature and art offer a window into the diverse cultures, complex histories and contemporary issues of Native communities. Join us as we work with scholars, including Marina Tyquiengco, assista­­nt curator of Indigenous Arts at the MFA and Shari Evans Professor of English at UMASS Dartmouth to explore resources and best practices for using Indigenous art and authors in the secondary classroom. We’ll analyze and interpret selected works, consider their social and historical contexts and discuss strategies for using Indigenous sources to help students consider diverse perspectives, build cultural awareness and examine issues of social and environmental justice.  

This program will be of particular interests to ELA and Visual Arts educators.

Standards:
[RL.10] Read and comprehend literary texts representing a variety of genres, cultures, and perspectives 
[US1.T6] Analyze the consequences of the continuing westward expansion… after the Civil War
[USII.T4.8] Analyze the movement to protect the rights, self-determination, & sovereignty of Native Peoples, the efforts … to preserve Native cultures, gain federal/ state recognition & raise awareness of Native American history 
[VA.11] Relate artistic ideas & works to societal, cultural & historical contexts to deepen understanding