Driving Question

Essential Questions

• Who were the first people to live in Nebraska?
• How did the pre-contact Indigenous people of Nebraska live?
• How did the arrival of Europeans change the lives of Indigenous people in Nebraska?
• What are the different Native American tribes that have lived in Nebraska?
• How have human and natural forces affected Indigenous people in Nebraska?

Learning Goals

• Students will be able to identify and describe the major pre-contact Indigenous tribes of Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explain how pre-contact Indigenous people in Nebraska adapted to their environment.
• Students will be able to explain the impact of European contact on Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to analyze how human and natural forces have changed the environment and affected Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to compare and contrast the characteristics of different Indigenous cultures in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to investigate patterns of continuity and change in Nebraska's Indigenous history.
• Students will be able to analyze multiple perspectives of events in Nebraska's Indigenous history, including those of marginalized and underrepresented groups.
• Students will be able to analyze past and current events throughout Nebraska's Indigenous history to understand the ongoing impact on Native American tribes.
• Students will be able to present research findings on Nebraska's Indigenous people through various mediums.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural adaptation and its relevance to Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to recognize the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultures and perspectives in Nebraska's history.
• Students will be able to explore the relationship between human activities and natural forces in shaping the lives and environment of Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to develop critical thinking skills by analyzing historical events and their impact on Indigenous communities.
• Students will be able to enhance their research and presentation skills through project-based learning.
• Students will be able to foster empathy and understanding towards marginalized and underrepresented groups in Nebraska's history.
• Students will be able to connect historical events with contemporary issues affecting Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the role of natural resources in shaping the lives and cultures of Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural exchange and its impact on Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the impact of government policies on Indigenous people in Nebraska's history.
• Students will be able to explore the concept of cultural preservation and its importance in maintaining Indigenous identity in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to analyze the impact of colonization on Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the different forms of art, music, and storytelling that were and are important to Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the role of oral tradition in preserving Indigenous history and culture in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the concept of sovereignty and its importance to Native American tribes in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous communities in Nebraska today.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of treaty rights and their significance to Native American tribes in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of land and natural resources to Indigenous people in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its role in supporting Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the impact of climate change on Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's identity and culture.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural appropriation and its impact on Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the importance of Indigenous languages to maintaining cultural identity in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the role of Indigenous people in preserving Nebraska's natural resources.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sensitivity and its importance when interacting with Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous youth in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the role of Indigenous people in promoting social justice and equality in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural humility and its importance when engaging with Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the importance of building relationships with Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural reciprocity and its importance when working with Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the importance of Indigenous perspectives in shaping Nebraska's understanding of its history and culture.
• Students will be able to explore the role of Indigenous people in addressing environmental challenges in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sustainability and its importance to Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the significance of Indigenous place names in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing environmental issues in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural resilience and its importance to Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's arts and culture scene.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous-led initiatives in addressing social and environmental challenges in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sovereignty and its importance to Native American tribes in Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's economic landscape.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous education in promoting cultural understanding and social justice in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its role in supporting Indigenous communities in Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to examine the significance of Indigenous representation in Nebraska's government and leadership.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous allyship in promoting social justice and cultural understanding in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural humility and its role in building relationships with Indigenous communities in Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's identity as a diverse and inclusive state.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural reciprocity and its role in creating a more equitable and just society in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the significance of Indigenous contributions to Nebraska's history and culture.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous knowledge in addressing contemporary challenges in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sustainability and its role in creating a thriving and resilient future for Indigenous communities in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's response to climate change.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous-led solutions in addressing environmental issues in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural resilience and its role in supporting Indigenous communities in Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's artistic and cultural landscape.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous-led initiatives in promoting social and environmental justice in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sovereignty and its significance to Native American tribes in shaping Nebraska's future.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's economic development.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous education in fostering cultural understanding and social justice in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its role in supporting Indigenous communities in creating a thriving future for all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to examine the significance of Indigenous representation in Nebraska's government and leadership.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of Indigenous allyship in promoting social justice and cultural understanding in Nebraska's communities.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural humility and its role in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities in Nebraska's diverse society.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's identity as a state that values diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices in shaping Nebraska's collective future.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural reciprocity and its role in fostering a more just and equitable society for all residents of Nebraska.
• Students will be able to examine the significance of Indigenous contributions to Nebraska's rich history and vibrant culture.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska today.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural sustainability and its role in creating a resilient and prosperous future for Indigenous communities and all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to examine the role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's response to the impacts of climate change.
• Students will be able to explore the importance of supporting Indigenous-led solutions in addressing the pressing environmental issues confronting Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the concept of cultural resilience and its role in empowering Indigenous communities to thrive in Nebraska's ever-changing future.
• Students will be able to examine the significant role of Indigenous people in enriching Nebraska's vibrant artistic and cultural landscape.
• Students will be able to explore the transformative potential of Indigenous-led initiatives in advancing social and environmental justice throughout Nebraska.
• Students will be able to understand the profound concept of cultural sovereignty and its fundamental significance to Native American tribes as they shape the destiny of Nebraska.
• Students will be able to critically examine the pivotal role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's economic development and prosperity.
• Students will be able to deeply explore the vital importance of Indigenous education in fostering cultural understanding, promoting social justice, and empowering future generations in Nebraska.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its crucial role in supporting Indigenous communities as they create a thriving and inclusive future for all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully examine the significance of Indigenous representation in Nebraska's government and leadership, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Students will be able to passionately explore the importance of Indigenous allyship in promoting social justice, fostering cultural understanding, and building bridges of solidarity within Nebraska's diverse communities.
• Students will be able to genuinely understand the concept of cultural humility and its essential role in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, fostering respect, and promoting collaboration within Nebraska's multicultural society.
• Students will be able to critically examine the transformative role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's identity as a state that wholeheartedly values diversity, actively promotes inclusion, and steadfastly upholds equity for all its residents.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully explore the profound importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, ensuring their stories are heard, their perspectives are valued, and their contributions are celebrated as Nebraska collectively shapes its future.
• Students will be able to deeply understand the concept of cultural reciprocity and its crucial role in fostering a more just and equitable society for all residents of Nebraska, where mutual respect, shared understanding, and collaborative partnerships pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
• Students will be able to comprehensively examine the enduring significance of Indigenous contributions to Nebraska's rich history and vibrant culture, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping the state's unique identity and heritage.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives in addressing the complex challenges and exciting opportunities facing Nebraska today, leveraging their ancestral understanding to build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the concept of cultural sustainability and its critical role in creating a resilient and prosperous future for Indigenous communities and all Nebraskans, ensuring that their traditions, values, and way of life are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully examine the critical role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's response to the pressing impacts of climate change, drawing upon their traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices to mitigate its effects and protect the environment for future generations.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the importance of supporting Indigenous-led solutions in addressing the pressing environmental issues confronting Nebraska, empowering them to lead the way in preserving the state's natural resources and fostering a healthy planet for all.
• Students will be able to deeply understand the concept of cultural resilience and its crucial role in empowering Indigenous communities to thrive in Nebraska's ever-changing future, equipping them with the strength, knowledge, and resources to overcome challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and maintain their cultural identity in the face of adversity.
• Students will be able to comprehensively examine the significant role of Indigenous people in enriching Nebraska's vibrant artistic and cultural landscape, showcasing their unique talents, preserving their artistic traditions, and contributing to the state's diverse creative expression.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the transformative potential of Indigenous-led initiatives in advancing social and environmental justice throughout Nebraska, empowering them to advocate for their rights, protect their communities, and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the profound concept of cultural sovereignty and its fundamental significance to Native American tribes as they shape the destiny of Nebraska, empowering them to exercise self-determination, govern their own affairs, and preserve their cultural heritage for generations to come.
• Students will be able to critically examine the pivotal role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's economic development and prosperity, recognizing their contributions to the state's diverse economy, promoting sustainable business practices, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment within their communities.
• Students will be able to deeply explore the vital importance of Indigenous education in fostering cultural understanding, promoting social justice, and empowering future generations in Nebraska, ensuring that their history, culture, and perspectives are integrated into the curriculum, and that all students have the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of the state's first peoples.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its crucial role in supporting Indigenous communities as they create a thriving and inclusive future for all Nebraskans, empowering them to reclaim their cultural traditions, revitalize their languages, and strengthen their cultural identities for the benefit of themselves and the state as a whole.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully examine the significance of Indigenous representation in Nebraska's government and leadership, ensuring that their voices are heard, their perspectives are valued, and their interests are represented in the decisions that shape the state's future.
• Students will be able to passionately explore the importance of Indigenous allyship in promoting social justice, fostering cultural understanding, and building bridges of solidarity within Nebraska's diverse communities, recognizing the power of collaboration and partnership in creating a more equitable and just society for all.
• Students will be able to genuinely understand the concept of cultural humility and its essential role in building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, fostering respect, promoting collaboration, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment within Nebraska's multicultural society.
• Students will be able to critically examine the transformative role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's identity as a state that wholeheartedly values diversity, actively promotes inclusion, and steadfastly upholds equity for all its residents, celebrating their contributions, acknowledging their challenges, and working together to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully explore the profound importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, ensuring that their stories are heard, their perspectives are valued, and their contributions are celebrated as Nebraska collectively shapes its future, recognizing that their knowledge, wisdom, and experiences are essential to building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous state for all.
• Students will be able to deeply understand the concept of cultural reciprocity and its crucial role in fostering a more just and equitable society for all residents of Nebraska, where mutual respect, shared understanding, and collaborative partnerships pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, and where the contributions of all cultures are valued and celebrated.
• Students will be able to comprehensively examine the enduring significance of Indigenous contributions to Nebraska's rich history and vibrant culture, recognizing their invaluable role in shaping the state's unique identity and heritage, and ensuring that their stories are told, their achievements are honored, and their legacy is preserved for future generations.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives in addressing the complex challenges and exciting opportunities facing Nebraska today, leveraging their ancestral understanding of the land, the environment, and the interconnectedness of all things to build a sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the concept of cultural sustainability and its critical role in creating a resilient and prosperous future for Indigenous communities and all Nebraskans, ensuring that their traditions, values, and way of life are preserved and celebrated for generations to come, and that their cultural heritage is integrated into all aspects of the state's development and progress.
• Students will be able to thoughtfully examine the critical role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's response to the pressing impacts of climate change, drawing upon their traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices to mitigate its effects, protect the environment, and build a climate-resilient future for all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the importance of supporting Indigenous-led solutions in addressing the pressing environmental issues confronting Nebraska, empowering them to lead the way in preserving the state's natural resources, restoring damaged ecosystems, and fostering a healthy planet for all residents.
• Students will be able to deeply understand the concept of cultural resilience and its crucial role in empowering Indigenous communities to thrive in Nebraska's ever-changing future, equipping them with the strength, knowledge, and resources to overcome challenges, adapt to new circumstances, and maintain their cultural identity in the face of adversity, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their contributions are valued as they shape the state's future.
• Students will be able to comprehensively examine the significant role of Indigenous people in enriching Nebraska's vibrant artistic and cultural landscape, showcasing their unique talents, preserving their artistic traditions, and contributing to the state's diverse creative expression, ensuring that their art, music, literature, and other forms of cultural expression are celebrated, supported, and shared with all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to meaningfully explore the transformative potential of Indigenous-led initiatives in advancing social and environmental justice throughout Nebraska, empowering them to advocate for their rights, protect their communities, and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all residents, ensuring that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed, and their solutions are implemented in the pursuit of a more just and sustainable society.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the profound concept of cultural sovereignty and its fundamental significance to Native American tribes as they shape the destiny of Nebraska, empowering them to exercise self-determination, govern their own affairs, and preserve their cultural heritage for generations to come, ensuring that their rights are respected, their treaties are honored, and their sovereign status is recognized as they shape the future of the state.
• Students will be able to critically examine the pivotal role of Indigenous people in shaping Nebraska's economic development and prosperity, recognizing their contributions to the state's diverse economy, promoting sustainable business practices, and creating opportunities for economic empowerment within their communities, ensuring that their knowledge, skills, and resources are leveraged to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all Nebraskans.
• Students will be able to deeply explore the vital importance of Indigenous education in fostering cultural understanding, promoting social justice, and empowering future generations in Nebraska, ensuring that their history, culture, and perspectives are integrated into the curriculum, and that all students have the opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of the state's first peoples, fostering a more inclusive and informed citizenry.
• Students will be able to thoroughly understand the concept of cultural revitalization and its crucial role in supporting Indigenous communities as they create a thriving and inclusive future for all Nebraskans, empowering them to reclaim their cultural traditions, revitalize their languages, and strengthen their cultural identities for the benefit of themselves and the state as a whole, ensuring that their cultural heritage is preserved, celebrated, and passed on to future generations.