HSS 11.1.4

Timeline by Dr Keliiaa

National Policy: Indian Boarding Schools in California

HSS 11.1.4, HSS 11.3.2

This unit reviews a brief history of national Indian Boarding School policy and its effects locally in California with particular attention to Sherman Indian School in Riverside, CA. Students will engage in a Think – Pair – Share activity, will learn about the creation of the first off-reservation boarding school, and see a timeline of western and California-based schools. Students will hear first-hand accounts from federal officials and learn how boarding schools prioritized gendered labor. At the end of the lesson, students will define key terms and revisit essential questions. Lesson includes references to optional videos and additional materials and resources.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, WHIS 9066, Camden Family Portrait, circa 1857-1859

California Policy: Training and Working Native Peoples

HSS 11.1.4

This unit reviews a brief history of the 1850 Act for the Government and Protection of Indians—a law that allowed for the legal enslavement of California Indian children and adult “vagrants.” Students will watch a short 13-minute film (optional), review a brief timeline of California history (orienting them to the American period) and read and analyze primary source excerpts of the 1850 Act with a discussion on the 1860 amendment. Post lecture discussion will ask students to ponder if California was indeed a “free state”. Lesson includes an optional worksheet and recommends additional resources including articles, a podcast episode and further homework activities.

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