Original Patriots: First Hand Accounts of California Indian Veterans of World War II (Part 2)

This lesson explores the overlooked contributions of Native American veterans during World War II through first-person narratives. Students engage in activities that build historical understanding, such as discussing quotes, analyzing facts, and participating in a jigsaw reading activity. The lesson emphasizes the duality of Native American identity and service while addressing themes of resilience, motivation, and historical erasure. In order to build upon historical background knowledge, educators should first complete the lesson “US Assimilationist Policy and California’s Indigenous Peoples” with their class prior to this lesson. Essential questions: How did Native American veterans balance their cultural identity with their service to the United States during World War II? Why did Native Americans choose to serve in the U.S. military despite the injustices they faced? How can learning about these veterans’ stories challenge historical erasure and deepen our understanding of Native American contributions to history? The teacher must understand that despite our tragic history, Native communities continue to find hope, look to the future, and lead the way in repairing our relationships to local ecosystems. The teacher must be prepared to actively engage in conversations about resistance and resilience throughout this lesson.