Unit 1 - Native Americans

Think About It

1. There is a term in this song that has no equivalent in English. Is there a term of endearment in your language that does not have an equivalent translation in English?

2. Do you like this song? Why or why not?

3. This song was recorded in 1951. How old do you think the song probably is?

4. This song has few words. Do you think it conveys the emotion of love?

Understanding through Art

The peoples of the northwest coast of North America created a unique style called Northwest Coast Art. The most unique and well-known examples of this art style are “totem poles.” Totem poles are carved from an entire tree and are used to represent things like important events or family histories. A totem pole often contains a mix of humans, animals and mythical beings. Explanations and examples can be seen here.

https://www.sfu.ca/archaeology/museum/exhibits/virtual-exhibits/northwest-coast-totem-poles.html

These buildings and totem poles are located in ‘Ksan, a historical village of the Gitxsan people in northwest Canada. How many figures can you see on the totem poles? What figures do you think they are?