Guidelines for All Categories

It’s important to think of everyone involved with your topic research. This allows you to show many opinions through your primary sources. Remember to ask yourself questions like: Who is writing this information? What was their role? Whose point of view is missing? What are we not seeing? How does this change the story of an event or person?

As you begin to research those sources, develop your historical argument, and create your project, be sure all voices and viewpoints are present. Below are a few guidelines for all categories to help you meaningfully include the voices of American Indians into your project.

1. Use American Indian Voices in a Big Way: Make sure that you do not include American Indian voices in a shallow way. An example of what not to do is:

a. In your documentary, you argue American Indians played a large role in the American Revolution. However, your documentary does not include primary sources exploring their opinions and participation in this event. In fact, the documentary only has one sentence about American Indian input.

Remember, it is not enough to barely include American Indian involvement in your topic. Do your research and add their viewpoints, opinions, and culture in a way that honors their history.

2. Don’t Use or Include Images of American Indian Human Remains. You should never include images of American Indian familial remains or funeral objects when researching or creating your History Day projects. This request comes from our relationship with American Indian tribal partners, as well as federal law found in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Additional Guidelines for Performance Category

The performance category has unique challenges when showing the viewpoints of people who were dismissed in the past, such as American Indians. These voices were once used to spread stereotypes or racist ideas. For American Indians, the biggest stereotype is saying that the Plains Warrior in their ceremonial feathered headdress is the “true identity” of all native peoples.

Below are a few tips to help you represent historical characters respectfully. For more guidance, check out the 2021 “Performing Perspectives: Who Tells Your Story?” webinar from National History Day.

1. Representing American Indian Characters: You should not feel like you cannot include American Indian perspectives in your performance. Instead, think about how you perform these voices and avoid cultural appropriation or harmful stereotypes. Get creative! Think about playing a “reactionary response” character (someone or something that can tell the story). Examples include:

a. A reporter sharing news about the topic

b. A bystander who saw or engaged with the topic

c. An animal or inanimate object (family antique, building, etc.) that lived through the topic & can speak across time

Remember, it is not enough to barely include American Indian involvement in your topic. Do your research and add their viewpoints, opinions, and culture in a way that honors their history.

2. Preparing Costumes: Remember that every part of theater is a tool and a choice. Think about why you are creating a performance and how the costume supports your reasons. Ask yourself:

a. What is the message I want to get across?

b. How does my costuming deliver that message?

c. How can my costuming add to harmful stereotypes?

Understanding the historical big picture is very important when making costumes for Native peoples. Many of the images of American Indians in American popular culture support harmful stereotypes and judgments about groups of people based on very little information. You should never wear things like feathered headdresses or face paint.

3. Writing your Script: Never include racial or insulting slurs or stereotypical language when writing your script, even if you find them in your primary sources.

a. Accents & Different Versions of Languages: There are many differences between groups, regions, times, and history. You will not have the time to do all the research and get the coaching that would help you use an accent successfully. If it doesn’t support your message, you probably shouldn’t put in your performance.

b. Character Conversation: Performances help bring out people’s stories by including their feelings and emotions. You can use a performance to talk through conflicting sources or perspectives. Just remember to be aware of the words you use.