Teaching Guide for the California Act for the Government and Protection of Indians (1850) 

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 unit are Cristapher Torres, Greg Hinchliff, Scott Bankert, Debbie Reese, Jean Mendoza and Taylor Melgoza.  The unit resources were designed and created from funding through the California Department of Education’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum grant and contract.

Grades: 9-12th Grades

Suggested Amount of Time: 45 minutes

Curriculum Themes

• History
• Cultural Strengths
• Law/Government
• Relationship to Place

Learning Goals

• By the end of the lesson, students will:

  • Understand the purpose and content of the California Act for the Government and Protection of Indians.

  • Analyze the act's impact on Native American communities during the 19th century.

  • Evaluate the broader implications of systemic discrimination and its long-term effects on marginalized communities.

  • Develop skills in primary source analysis and critical thinking.

Lesson Overview