Winona LaDuke
Posted by michyh on November 22nd, 2009
Truth teller Winona LaDuke has a wonderful website and organization, Native Harvest, http://nativeharvest.com/winona_laduke that can be explored and offers students a look at one of many ways Native Americans are thriving despite the bitter truths of how they came to be where they are now.Students might not be aware of the native people of their own local area. Have them research and contact, if possible, individuals and organizations related to the ‘first people’ of their city or state/region. I believe they will be enriched and perhaps even surprised as I think that most students have no understanding that these cultures and tribes are still very much alive.As part of a Wyoming History Teacher’s Conference, Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits were exhibited and teachers gathered to construct their methods of teaching Wyoming history more honestly and inclusively. Students from the reservations and local schools regularly met in basketball games and other intramural sports and it was problematic. It was hoped that through a more honest telling of their local history , students would be able to better understand one another.Rather than have teachers research and rewrite the history based upon text and research, Americans Who Tell the Truth invited the students on the reservation school to come to present their family’s histories to the teachers as a way to transform not only the history lessons, but the teachers themselves.The students created their own portraits of ancestors and include statements that were carved into the canvas. These were shared at the conference also. Teachers then created their own self portraits with personal truth statements.All who participated were moved and committed themselves to what their purpose in teaching would be related to this experience.Perhaps something of this nature could happen in your community. Allow those Native Americans remaining in your area to teach their history honestly and discuss the future of their relationships with students. An important first step!Here are two clips of Winona LaDuke , the first a very long one if you have the time in class. If you do not have “in -class” time, be sure to watch it yourself if you want to be informed in a powerful way!