Understanding Ishi and the Impacts on Native Americans

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: 4th-8th grade

Suggested Amount of Time: 60-90 minutes

Curriculum Themes: Exploring the story of Ishi, the "last of the Yahi," and its significance in understanding the impacts of colonization on Native Americans.

Learning Goals

Students will:

• Understand the historical context of Ishi’s life and his significance in Native American history.

• Explore the broader impacts of colonization, displacement, and cultural loss on Native American communities.

• Analyze historical perspectives through primary and secondary sources.

• Develop empathy and critical thinking skills while examining the consequences of cultural erasure.

Lesson Overview