This lesson on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy offers students a powerful opportunity to explore the roots of American democracy through the lens of Indigenous governance. Centered on the Great Law of Peace and the political structure of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the lesson emphasizes how Native ideas of unity, consensus, and leadership directly influenced the formation of the U.S. Constitution.
This four-lesson unit offers middle school students an opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Two-Spirit identities within Indigenous communities. Students will begin by understanding the distinctions between gender, sex, and sexuality, setting the foundation for a deeper exploration of Two-Spirit identities. Lessons describe the history of Two-Spirit people, highlighting their roles and traditions within Native American and Indigenous cultures, and differentiating these identities from Western LGBTQIA+ concepts.
Students will be able to define the term "Laotian" and differentiate between the three groups (Lao Loum, Lao Theung, and Lao Sung) that make up the ethnic diversity of Laos through collaborative group research projects. By the end of the lesson, students will understand that ‘Laotian’ includes, but is not limited to, the Lao, Iu Mien, Khmu, Phutai, Tai Lue, Tai Dam, and Tai Deng ethnic groups.
