California Indian Identity and Culture: Representations Matters Unit
This unit invites students to critically examine the problematic representations and stereotypes of Native Americans in both historical and contemporary visual culture. Through the exploration of images used to market products at the turn of the twentieth century from the California State Archives’ Trademarks and Service Marks collection, students will gain insight into how these stereotypes were commercialized. They will also engage with current Native perspectives on misrepresentation by watching videos from the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center. Additionally, students will participate in activities that analyze the portrayal of Native Americans in mass media today. This resource encourages students to think deeply about the ongoing issues of Native American stereotypes, representation, and identity in both the past and present. Ultimately, the unit will support California youth to engage in civics education, design thinking, and service learning projects that explore issues that face them and their communities directly. The youth will plan and design activities that address the issue emphasizing tribal cultural values, leadership principles, and civic responsibilities. There will be opportunities for projects to engage with tribes, tribal communities, and tribal organizations. Our major goals are to increase civic skills of Native and non-Native youth so that they may become more active problem solvers within their own communities and the wider community. Additionally, students will have opportunities to participate in collaborative learning to partner tribes and organizations to conduct effective service learning.