Overview
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Native Ways of Knowing Mock Trial: The People vs. Governor Peter Hardeman Burnett

Author: This unit was researched, authored, and edited by the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, California Indian Education for All, and the San Diego County Office of Education. Key writers and researchers of this project are Nicole Lim, Jayden Lim, and Dr. Staci Block. The unit resources were designed and created from funding through the California Department of Education’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum grant and contract.
Grade(s): 8-12th Grades
Suggested Amount of Time: This Mock Trial learning activity will take approximately five class periods of 60 minutes to complete the preparation, student research, mock trial facilitation, and mock trial deliberations and debrief. This Mock Trial will take approximately five 60-minute class periods.
Curriculum Themes
- History
- Cultural Strengths
- Law/Government
- Relationship to Place
- Cross Curricular Integration
Learning Goals
Analyze the policies and actions of Governor Peter Hardeman Burnett in the context of California's early statehood.
Evaluate the ethical and historical implications of his treatment of Native Americans.
Develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills through a mock trial activity.
Understand the lasting impact of historical policies on Indigenous communities.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of cultural awareness, including historical and modern contexts that shape/influence California Native American Tribes.
Students will highlight the role of tribal culture, perspectives, and resilience in tribal education.
Students will increase civic education learning skills of Native and non-Native youth so that they may become more
Students will develop skills to analyze primary documents, photographs, and digital media.
Lesson Overview
This mock trial learning activity will allow students to question and consider California’s first governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett’s policies and treatment of Native Americans. This activity encourages students to analyze history critically and empathize with those impacted by injustice. This mock trial script is designed to engage students in critical thinking about history while fostering empathy and analytical skills. This activity encourages critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of history. This lesson plan integrates critical thinking, collaboration, and historical analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of California’s early governance and its consequences. This mock trial can be adapted based on the desired educational or dramatic focus, emphasizing historical facts, ethical dilemmas, and the broader implications of Burnett’s policies.
Teacher Background
This mock trial activity invites students to critically examine the policies and treatment of Native Americans by California's first governor, Peter Hardeman Burnett. Through this immersive experience, students will analyze historical events, consider the perspectives of those impacted by injustice, and engage with ethical and historical dilemmas. Designed to promote critical thinking, empathy, and collaboration, the activity encourages students to explore the consequences of Burnett's governance and its broader implications. This adaptable mock trial fosters historical analysis and reflection, allowing educators to tailor it to emphasize historical accuracy, ethical considerations, or the long-term effects of Burnett’s policies.
Educators Guide and Videos to the Essential Understandings of California Indian History and Culture
Please take time to read through this document and watch these videos to learn from California Indian cultural bearers as they teach the Essential Understandings of California Indian History and Culture.(https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU)
Essential Understanding 1: Great Diversity Among Tribes (EU1 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU1
Essential Understanding 2: Diversity Among Identity (EU2 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU2
Essential Understanding 3: Native Traditional Beliefs (EU3 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU3
Essential Understanding 4: Policies that Affected Tribes (EU4 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU4
Essential Understanding 5: Reservations (EU5 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU5
Essential Understanding 6: History from a California Indian Perspective (EU6 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU6
Essential Understanding 7: Tribes Have Sovereign Powers (EU7 Video) https://bit.ly/NASMC_EU7