Diabetes: Unnatural Causes  This is a site that explores possible environmental and social economic causes for various health ailments.  There is a section on diabetes and federal Indian policies. There are discussion guides available to assist with using this resource in your classroom.  This might be an awesome tie in for geography teachers as is discusses different cultures and locations. 

Lacrosse was originally known as stickball. The game was initially played in the St. Lawrence Valley area by the Algonquian tribe and they were followed by other tribes in the eastern half of North America, and around the western Great Lakes.  The  games were originally seen as major events, which took place over several days.They were played over huge open areas between villages and the goals, which might be trees or other natural features, were anything from 500 yards to several miles apart. Any number of players were involved. Some estimates have mentioned between 100 and 100,000 players participating in a game at any one time.  There are soft sticks available in the PE sets at all the Middle Schools.  Local clubs are willing to volunteer and help teach the game for classes.    Below is a slide show you can use in your classroom. 

Traditional Games The use of traditional games in the classroom not only provides students with healthy activities, but also with insight into American Indian Culture.  If you are interested in attending Traditional Games Training or need assistance with the building of traditional games, please contact the Indian Education Department.

Indian Relay is an exciting competitive sport steeped in tradition and pride. The award winning PBS documentary film is in school libraries and is also available at BPS Indian Education.  These high school lesson plans give information about tribes and the history of the horse in North America. They also introduce the medicine wheel and concept of holistic wellness in American Indian cultures with excellent worksheets and activities for students.

In the area of American Indian art and music, it is important to be aware that not all aspects of these areas are appropriate for use the your classroom.  Many aspects of music and art are sacred to American Indians and because of this some activities which might be taught to American Indian Children on the reservation are not appropriate in the Urban setting.  Below please find some helpful hints, background knowledge information, and ideas to assist with the implementation of Indian Education within your classroom.  In Addition, our office can review materials for authenticity, provide insight into the appropriateness of activities and also provide partnerships with tribal resources to assist you with implementation in these areas of the curriculum.    If you have questions, concerns or are in need of resources please contact the Indian Education For All department.

    1.  Is the project sacred to American Indians?  If the answer is yes then you will probably want to run the activity through a tribal resource or our staff.  Here is an example of this.  If you are choosing to build a parfleche with your students, there would be no problem having students replicate or copy these items, as they were traditionally used as a travel bag.  However, if you were considering a project on War Shields, you would want to pay special consideration when implementing since War Shields had significant spiritual meaning to American Indians.

    2.  Is the project being done in an authentic way? It is important to consider the authenticity with which we implement activities.  For example while it is appropriate to teach the historical background of a War Shirt and their designs to students, it would not be appropriate to have the students make a paper War Shirt with yarn fringes.  Instead, having the students think about and design what they would put on a War Shirt if they were given that Honor would be appropriate.  Another part of authenticity is a consideration of the materials being used.  Always try to use authentic materials when possible.  For example, if you are making dream catchers using paper plates and yarn would not be an respectful way to teach this aspect of culture.  Instead contact our office and see how we can assist you in obtaining authentic materials.

    3.  Am I using American Indian Examples?  There are numerous American Indian artists that can be used to teach about American Indian Art. Far to often, we use non-native artists to teach about American Indian Art.  A good example of this is Paul Goble.  Mr. Goble has written and illustrated many children's books based upon American Indian legends.  While one can not argue his talents as an artist, he is considered quite controversial with regard to authenticity and exploitation of American Indian culture.  The recommendation for the use of his materials would be at an introductory level only with follow up examples by actual American Indian artists. While there may be value in talking about the art techniques Mr. Goble uses and what he does well with regard to accuracy, don't forget to point out the things that he has misrepresented.  Attached is an article with regard to the American Indian perspective on Paul Goble.

Opi Art Resource  This document provides some listed resources as well as primary considerations to be made while working with the visual arts.

Rabbit Knows Gun is one of our local cultural presenters. In the Youtube clip below, Rabbit tells students at Ponderosa about his Crow Culture, ledger art and themes in his artwork.

Here is a list of DVD resources that have been purchased and are available at the Music Department:

Fancy Dance:

History, outfit and dance.   Close up and slow motion sequences show champion dancers in exciting contests.  (Run Time: 30 minutes)

Fancy Shawl Dance:

Learn from champion dancers in exciting contests filmed at northern powwows.  Competition footage in Crow hop and straight step styles with hundreds of colorful outfits.  Includes a rare interview with one of the original Fancy Shawl dancers.  (Run time:  30 minutes)

Jingle Dress:

Featuring competition straight and slide step, beautiful outfit close-ups, rolling jingle cones, and history and evolution of the dance.  Shot in digital video on location at northern powwows. (Run Time:  30 minutes)

Into The Circle:  An Introduction to Native American Powwows

Filmed in Oklahoma, this video takes the viewer from the history of the powwow to the beauty of modern day festival of color and dance.  A must for understanding the powwow structure – grand entry, song structure, competition and much more.  (Run time :  60 minutes)

The following electronic and internet resources support the IEFA K-6 Music Kits

In the youtube clip below, see Billings students in the Soaring Eagle Singers drum group playing for Laurel elementary students. (Run time 2 mins)

The Drum