W.4.2

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

Project-Based Learning on California Missions and Native Americans

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

Learning objectives: (1) Students will identify and articulate ways to create meaningful impact in collaboration with Indigenous communities; (2) Students will work in groups to design and implement a project that supports Indigenous-led initiatives, such as cultural revitalization or environmental stewardship; (3) Students will present their projects to peers or the broader community, showcasing their understanding of actionable respect and support for Indigenous communities; and more . . .

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

Exploring California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Mission Field Trip Guide

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

Students: (1) Explore Native American resistance, resilience, and cultural survival; (2) Engage in critical thinking and empathy as students explore the California missions; (3) Reflect on cultural resilience, historical accuracy, and the consequences of colonization; (4) Explore California Indian history and culture before and during the mission period; (5) Analyze the impact of the missions on Native American communities.

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

Debating the Impacts of California Missions on Native Americans

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

In this lesson, students: (1) Examine the effects of the mission system on Native American communities, including cultural, social, and environmental impacts; (2) Evaluate diverse perspectives on the mission system; (3) Develop empathy and critical thinking skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources; (4) Students will understand the experiences of Native Americans during the mission period; and (5) Students will explore Native American resistance, resilience, and cultural survival.

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

California Missions Through Indigenous Eyes Project-Based Learning Virtual Exhibit Project

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

Students: (1) Design a virtual exhibit that explores the history of California missions from the perspective of the Indigenous peoples whose lives were most affected; (2) Reflect on cultural resilience, historical accuracy, and the consequences of colonization; (3) Explore California Indian history and culture before and during the mission period; and (4) Analyze the impact of the missions on Native American communities.

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

Cultural Preservation Posters

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

In this lesson, students: (1) Design a visually appealing and informative poster highlighting the importance of cultural preservation among California Indigenous communities, focusing on traditions, language, art, or practices impacted by the mission system; (2) Reflect on cultural resilience, historical accuracy, and the consequences of colonization; (3) Explore California Indian history and culture before and during the mission period; and (4) Analyze the impact of the missions on Native American communities.

California Missions Through Native American Perspectives Unit

Exploring California Indian History with the CIMCC CA Missions Native Website

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.2.5, RI.4.1, RI.4.7, RI.4.9, W.4.2, W.4.7, W.4.8, SL.4.1, SL.4.4, L.4.3

This unit explores the history and lasting impact of the California mission system through the lens California Native perspectives, using the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center’s CA Missions Native website. In Lesson 1, students: Explore California Indian history and culture before and during the mission period; Analyze the impact of the missions on Native American communities; and Use the CIMCC CA Missions Native website as a research tool to answer questions about California Indians.

Ishi starting a fire

Understanding Cultural Erasure through the Case of Ishi

HSS 4.2.1, HSS 4.3, HSS 4.4.1, RI.4.1, W.4.2, SL.4.1

Students will learn about cultural erasure. Students will reflect on Ishi’s legacy and how it influences modern understanding of cultural respect and human rights. This lesson plan helps students critically analyze historical narratives, develop empathy, and practice respectful communication in their writing. This lesson covers the life and history of Ishi, the last Yahi, and how his story reflects the broader experience of Native American communities in California.

Ishi standing wearing a coat

Ishi’s Legacy and Repatriation

HSS 4.2, HSS 5.3, W.4.2

Students will learn about the repatriation of Ishi’s remains and its importance to his community. Students will understand the concept of repatriation, sacred traditions, and respect for cultural practices. Students will reflect on Ishi’s legacy and how it influences modern understanding of cultural respect and human rights.This lesson plan helps students critically analyze historical narratives, develop empathy, and practice respectful communication in their writing.

This is early in the years before the story cloths became more streamlined and look alike. In the early years the story cloths reflected more first hand accounts and looked more custom and unique before they began to have the cookie cutter look.

The Story Behind Paj Ntaub (Story Cloth)

HSS 4.4, RI.5.7, W.4.2, SL.5.4

Students will learn about the history of the story cloth and its importance in communicating Hmong history, refugee and migration experience, and preservation of culture. Students will analyze a paj ntaub, and interpret the message, story or feeling that the artist is trying to convey.

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